travlbug

Sander is an intriguing character--an elf who is also a werewolf (and a werewolf who is also a healthcare worker!). Can't wait to hear his backstory. His interpretation of Jordan (the guy who puts milk out for homeless kittens) as menacing seems at odds with what we know of Jordan (he doesn't seem to terrorize the folks in the bookstore), but perhaps he's "seeing" or sensing a facet of Jordan's character which will become important in the future. Additionally, when he notes that Damian's "colors are beautiful," he shows himself refreshingly clueless of the finer points of Neko prejudice, and we see that he is not afraid to speak his mind. (He is also the voice of practicality when suggesting that Damian look for less flashy clothes.) I'm already loving the interchanges between our trio and can't wait for more!

Interesting--the mates include a Neko, a Werewolf, and an Elf. I would guess that this is an unusual occurrence and makes me wonder what is in store such that the talents of all three species may be needed.

While Halor would probably have been fired if he hadn't quit, the fact remains that he quit: Would he actually try to commit double murder over a low-paying job that he technically quit? While Jordan dismisses the North Astara pack as instigating the fire, the pack would have known that Jordan's werewolf's instincts and strength would prevent his death by fire and leave him homeless/needy at a time when it was trying to recruit him. I'd place my money on the pack as having committed the arson, except.... When the blaze occurred, Damian and Jordan could not breech the front door, and this despite a werewolf's strength. Further, when the firefighters investigated, they found NOTHING which would have prevented our heroes from waltzing out the door: Could the door have been barred by magic? (The fire spread like magic as well.) If so, the unseen enemy may be a magic user, but who?

Ah, so now it's date night! Things are progressing nicely.... Blanche didn't blanch at Jordan being a werewolf, but I guess she hadn't figured it out on her own after all. Still, Halor failed in his bid to make mischief. “Ryan Coirus, Pack Recruiter”: I love the concept. I hope he can take "no" for an answer.... (By the way, "Coirus" is an anagram for "Curios," objects of rarity and/or interest, although I'm probably overreaching.)

Halor is poison in elf form. He shows his true colors as he leaves the bookstore. (I'm sure that he quit so he wouldn't be fired.) Of course Blanche knows that Jordan is a werewolf (if the magic teacher sees a pattern of behavior, then Blanche--who knows him even better--has probably noted the same). However, just as she harbors no prejudice against Damian, I'm sure she hold no animus against Jordan (unless he starts shedding 🤭). In fact, I predict that Jordan will be more upset with Halor's announcement than Blanche will.

Damian's need to stay fully clothed, even after a shower and before bedtime, as well as his need to avoid identification by the Neko server, reminds us again of the discrimination he's felt because of his calico ears and tail. His rejection has been internalized and is so complete that he comes to tears when faced with kindness. Jordan is actually smart to provide comfort without any strings, no matter how badly his wolf wants to stake its claim. The big question is how Jordan can get past Damian's defenses to show that his acceptance is unconditional, and the slow-but-steady friendship he's providing seems to be working.

I look forward to the day that Damian doesn't cringe or slump when in the presence of other people. I am also saddened by Damian's behavior when he's reminded that Jordan is a werewolf (with Jordan angry but not at Damian): He "cowers," with his tail "tucked between his legs, his ears flattened against his skull. Wide eyes spoke of his terror at the sight of the angry werewolf." Hopefully, Jordan and his budding relationship will not be harmed by this incident.

Oh, a nice tamale dinner sounds good! (Lunch today was shrimp enchiladas in mole verde. Yummy! 😋) "In other words, the western US is literally being pulled apart." Not listening (talk to the hand🤚). I love that Chris and Callan harmonize so well together, with the music mirroring their lives. 😊

Why would an author fail to provide specific information in a story? Because it's not relevant to the story. I like the ending (please don't hurt me). Who wins or loses is irrelevant to Chipper's future, which Adam makes clear is already mapped out--at least in the short term. Even as he's sitting in the waiting room, Chipper thinks, "Win or lose, his future was in the music business. He looked forward to time in recording studios and on the road." The story's true end is not in the present but in the future! Thanks, Carlos, for a great story.

An interesting first meeting between Kastan and Jihan. No good deed goes unpunished, though.... of course, I have to question how the son of a prince of the realm was allowed the freedom to visit the teabouse proper and run into the street in the first place (Jihan himself has a better guard). Rashan is simply exploring, like all boys are wont to do, and I wonder just how tightly Rashan is kept on a leash--or not. I also wonder how Jihan's heroic effort in saving Rashan will affect Kastan and Jihan's first official meeting when Kastan learns that Jihan represents his clan as the Emperor's new arms supplier. Interestingly, Jihan is not above engaging in deceit for the good of his clan, as seen by his handling of Melen and the salt traders. Duyi's aspirations seem to have resulted in an offer for Andiya to marry into the royal family at some future time, and we already know that Jihan will wind up on the wrong end of Kastan's sword for flouting an imperial edict (just to keep Andiya happy). Apparently, Jihan is willing to engage in deceits, both small and large, when it comes to keeping his family happy and safe, and he is willing to pay the ultimate price. More, please!

I love that, by being selfless--by wishing their father happiness--the kids reach an even greater level of happiness for themselves. (For adults, the selflessness--the act of giving--may need to be its own reward, but that's only because the elves play harder to get! )

It's nice to be young: Chipper is "drained" after one performance but is right back on stage doing a high-octane number! Even his holiday itinerary sounds exhausting! (Of course, youth may bring "free energy," but stamina must also be earned: Jack Lalanne swam the English channel in his nineties, but l'm lucky just to negotiate the bath tub!) I would love the energy which comes from plenty of sleep and exercise, but I guess I'll just have to make do with coffee--at least until retirement. ☕

Curiouser and curiouser. Interesting origin to Santa, if Santa can be trusted. Also, who is actually in the ICU--Chris or Ben? But why would Chris and Ben have traded places? Chad sees Chris at the North Pole, and Santa confirms that Chris is at the North Pole. Does Chris have his own magic? How else did he get to the North Pole if not invited? Further, when Chad sees Chris at the North Pole, he is already shrinking, as if he were turning into an elf: When Santa says that Chris was there at his own request, what was his actual request? And why is everyone winking? (Could the hospital sequences themselves be part of a dream world, with only the winking to give it away? Maybe Santa was able to appear at the hospital because it was a dream.) Arrgghhhh! More questions, no answers! Can't wait for the next installment. 🎅

I don't know much about geology, but corundum, in various forms, is my favorite stone. (Aluminum oxide by any other name. Of course, aluminum chlorohydrate is way more important on a day to day basis!) Yes, boys, you have plenty of time, so "go slow"--enjoy yourselves and be sure!

Wow, even my contacts steamed over! Nice to see that our boys are attentive and unselfish lovers. 🥰

Jihan is a brave man. That said, AAAAAuuuuggghh!!!!

With the Chairman of the Bored no longer peering over his shoulder, Chipper once again allows his talent to shine through without distraction. 😉 By the way, while I'm all for dry martinis, I've never heard of dry shampoo before. (Maybe a dry martini would work better!) 😁

Alex, I agree with Nate and Mac: Searching the immigrants' rooms is a necessary step in finding the person who brought the alien plague into the fort. Further, if you "knew it would come to this," why did you wait a month to give your approval for the search! Who knows what other acts of sabotage the traitor could have performed in the interim! Ah, Bastion, so you're the traitor. Luckily, you're so stupid that you didn't get rid of the evidence, even though you had a full month to do so. Thank goodness the fort has been on lockdown, as we now know that you've been "chomping at the bit to get out" to hand over the fort's location to the Aliens. Alex is nicer than I am, as I would have given you two choices: Being tied up in a room for an hour with Larry and a steak knife, or receiving an injection (maybe two or three) with your own Lazarus serum. While Georgie didn't make it, thank goodness that the other infected kids survived! Nice to see that Tobi and Nate are already back on the payroll!

After all the high octane performances to date, where Chipper's talent has truly been stretched and showcased, the choice of a leisurely-paced chestnut (which would undoubtedly make people compare Chipper's performance to Sinatra's)--and one where Chipper shares the limelight--seems a bit odd to me. That said, it certainly serves as a contrast to what has gone before, and it does allow Chipper to interact with his mentor on stage. (Full disclosure: While I love many golden-age singers, I have never understood the appeal of Sinatra [sacrilege, I know. I am clearly a philistine]. As far as I'm concerned, his best role is as Rocky Fortune, where he doesn't have to sing! Thus, the music's association with Sinatra may be coloring my thinking with regard to the present performance.)

Angel of the Morning, by Merrilee Rush, 1968. 😊

A lovely, unrushed rush to sex. I like that the boys start off with romance and talk of boundaries while sharing a bed, but they are actually ready to share themselves: 🎵 I see no need to take me home. I'm old enough to face the dawn.... 🎶

Jett now had what he wanted at home, and there was no need for him to go out to hunt. Ok, Jett, a highly complicated man you're not! 😂 So, Jett, if April sleeps in the same bed with you (clothes optional, of course), you're going to let him attend classes: How are you going to protect him but let him out of your sight? Or are you going to pretend to be a student and go with him? And who will babysit Jay in the meantime? I'm not sure you can deliver on your promise. (Did you intend to? Maybe you have a consolation prize in mind for April instead. 😏)

So much going on! I love the opening bit regarding the absurdity in both the French and English languages. (I majored in English at the undergrad level, and my other half is always sending me memes on the craziness inherent in English [and then suggesting that it's somehow my fault!].) One of the many things I love about this novel is how it shows Ezra simply living--e.g., with stray thoughts about Beau, with the discussion of Jack's tattoos, with the revelation of the real reasons why he wants to stop at McDonald's. While I have many friends who prefer melodrama (i.e., where plot is more important than characterization) and prefer that anything which is extraneous to the plot be discarded, I am the exact opposite: I revel in character-driven, slice-of-life pieces, and Ezra (not to mention the other characters) comes alive because of these touches. Wow! Ezra shows that Jack is truly his best friend by entrusting him with his deepest, darkest secrets: The primary secret--that Ezra fast-tracked the recruiting process--does not cause Jack a bit of concern and proves a non-issue. The secondary secret, which is actually the more important of the two, is that Ezra's treatment for ALL has not simply caused him lifetime physical issues (short stature, loss of a kidney) but has also left him with mental disabilities. That Jack downplays Ezra's impairment is grounds for a hug, and that Ezra is such a nice, capable human being despite his issues shows that mental problems are not a bar to a fulfilling, happy life (a theme beautifully portrayed in Heart). Speaking of "heart," Ezra's request to date Lance shows that Ezra is not afraid to follow his feelings (and I love how Lance is careful of those feelings in how he turns him down). The grinding of bones! 😱 (My own heart bled a little when I read those words.) Could Ezra's career be over before it's barely begun? I HATE cliffies! 😬

“Dude! Really? You gonna follow me to the bathroom? If you wanna see my dick just ask!” So Chipper can be a diva too! (Great line, though.) His apology counts, but he better grow a thicker skin if he's going to work in the entertainment industry. This chapter is all about family, with mom, the two dads, and sister all in town together: While he may be seeking fame and fortune, Chipper still knows what counts the most.

I'll be looking forward to "Singer, the Writer's Cut!" That said, the present chapter is a perfect 10--or should I say 1000! Looks like Chipper may be forced to win in spite of himself. (The red sneakers made me think of the ruby slippers: Click the heels three times, and you're in the winner's circle! )