84Mags

I fell for Jay and Loren in Boss Nanny and have been looking forward to this story ever since. It’s off to an amazing start. Their chemistry and banter tell me that we are in for an interesting ride!

My lofty plans for Presidents Day weekend: snuggle under a blanket while the Midwest finally warms up and thaws from the latest big hit of icy snow, while going back to 2015 and rereading all the CJ series from the beginning. Bit of a treat to wake up to a new chapter!

What a satisfying end-for-now. The world is a better place because of the Sentinels and those who support what is just over might and greed. Nat Chusi became a heroine in her own right and I am majorly intrigued by Dante Berand! Robert, once again, proved invaluable. Our six wolves are happily together, in solid relationships, with those who love them surrounding. Even Silas and Rosalie have an important, intimate, friendship bond. The fate of many pups remains a major concern. It might not be possible to reverse the shift in all and we now know there are a number of pups whose whereabouts remain unknown. With the extent of the operation and it spanning the globe, all can’t be tied up and fixed quickly. We will have to be satisfied that answers will come in time and with future stories. Thanks for an exciting and enjoyable read!

I keep reminding myself that if Northman is the worst thing going on in CJ’s life right now, then CJ has a pretty great handle on everything. But dang, that man is a persistent annoyance. He just doesn’t let up! As other commenters mentioned, I also loved the nod to the future / past this chapter brought. Everything from siblings and cousins who will live close by for Leibe to reading Embers.

Sometimes it takes grand gestures for grand screw ups. I’m a stickler for true and genuine apologies. It isn’t an apology if you turn it around to place the blame on others or make excuses for why you behaved the way you did. It isn’t an apology if you don’t acknowledge exactly what you did and why you know what you did was hurtful, harmful and / or wrong. It isn’t an apology if you can’t confess who may have helped you recognize your faults. It isn’t an apology if you do so only to make yourself feel better or with the expectation of forgiveness. It isn’t an act of contrition if not done humbly and with true regret. Bravo, Mal. THAT was a true and genuine apology for your transgressions. Now let’s go home.

I realized that my initial review for this story never posted. It would be a disservice to the author and this evocative tale to not correct that error. My comments after the story really say it all; this is a hauntingly wonderful read that is imaginative, clever and a bit distressing. It is beautifully written and deserves a read, even if this isn't your usual genre.

This chapter brings true peace to those most injured by the various, heinous crimes. It also brings the possibility of redemption for the deserving, hope for a happy, stable life to those most impacted and the chance of helping the pups still shifted. At the very start of this saga I mentioned that you wrote about abuse very well. You’ve obviously done your research. This wasn’t a tied up in a neat bow chapter. It used the werewolf/shifter culture to emphasize the ravages of the abusive crimes committed and what can be necessary for victims to recover.

Happy Valentines Day, everyone❣️

Tani's father Suno may be the light to Cale's darkness, but did Lord Suno unwittingly choose the light of his personal domain over his son when the Septum made their initial decisions about Tani's fate? Suno is the emperor and a guardian of the Ekho Realm. He rules the Septum. Their judgement allowed for Tani's thousand-year trial and the cuffs. Attempting to dissuade Tani from the thousand-year trial is not the same as finding another solution. Suno now seems to understand the implications of falling in love with Anit and not questioning their meeting or the events that unfolded shortly after. While bittersweet that he mourns the time he did not have with Tani, it seems unrealistic to assume he knows the individual Tani has become or will receive forgiveness. He does understand there is a possible malevolent force directly impacting Anit and Tani. That, alone, will help to keep them safer. Unfortunately, it could be a member of the Septum behind the troubles. Interestingly, the 'calamity' / family misfortune started after Suno and Anit met but it will be the Cale, god of calamity, that helps to figure the mystery out. It gives hope that the brothers are working together, somewhat outside the Septum. It is worrisome, however, that the veiled creature crossing the realms appears to be from Cale's Dark Fort...but is not. Who is in charge of this creature and what is their ultimate plan? Lord Suno seems up to the challenge of figuring this out with Cale. The absolute best part of this chapter and story so far is Dante giving a part of his soul to Tani. That uncompromising act is so pure, so just, and so heartwarming in the face of all that has gone before and what is to come. Perfect. So perfect!

Oh Caleb! Sebastian is right, though. Although Caleb was placed in an impossible position there were other, better, choices to make. Caleb was blinded by his paternal love for Vann and the guilt over his conception. His willingness to do such morally wrong behaviors cannot go without some form of punishment. Hopefully Sebastian will consider Caleb’s motives. Obviously, Caleb can no longer ever be the Alpha of a pack. So many lives affected by a few who were motived by greed and power.

Yep, I have (prior to officially joining this site) and that’s why I love the car and home names! We are a family that does the same. Makes me feel a little less weird about it. 😂 We currently have 3 of the same brand but different model vehicles. The dealership has the vehicles listed by their names so when we call for servicing they ask by that! I admit to getting some side glances from other customers at drop off/ pick up! As for Northman, dig away dude!

Northman continuing to find ways to peck at CJ started things off on a sour note, however Ritch soon turned that around. Heinrich is a great name for a Porsche!

To quote the chapter, Holy. F-ing. Sh#t! That was heart pounding and jaw dropping awesome sauce. I’ve been team Caleb all along, so I’m down with whatever his backstory on the double duplicity is. And I had said a few chapters back that I am not a snake loving person, but Nat has changed my mind. I am all for Nat having a go at Nichols and his sons.

I was lulled along with this chapter, happily satisfied with domestic Feldspar whipping egg whites, nodding in agreement with Yago’s certainty Liam avenged Brody’s unnecessary death, and tearfully awwwwwing over Arnau’s enchantingly inspired tattoo. Then… Mal? In Paris?! Lull is over. Now I’m worried!

Holy cow, I squealed when the pups were found! And with Milo, I admit to tearing up a bit. If the battle at the mining facility is any indication of what Nichols, Alberts, Belland and the other culprits have in store for them once found, I am down for that battle! Can’t believe those skunks slunk out and left their underlings to deal with the fight. Still going with my gut that Caleb is a good guy. Maybe I’m just riding the happy high of the pups being found alive and Elijah, Wayne and Sandi being ok. But I think Caleb is working for someone against the culprits. Maybe a Council member?

So many interesting twists and details in this chapter! I read, pondered, then reread it. Who brought the kara ot, and to what end? Was the purpose to harm Dante or to bring Tani and Dante together? Their meeting was poignant. This line from Tani, “Almost millennia and you still shake my heart” and then Dante’s reaction to the gold cuffs gives promise that in this lifetime the two may finally come together and stay together. Nora knows who Tani and Cale are?! I must admit, I find myself really liking Cale.

I backtracked and reread the parts with Caleb. No particular reason, but my gut says he is still on the side of the Sentinels. Not sure if that makes him a double agent or just an angry Alpha who couldn’t wait for others and took matters into his own hands and is now pretending to work with the culprits in order to get inside the organization. Crossing my fingers that I am right. Elijah is currently knocked out and hooded… I hope he is still shifted when the hood is removed. Crossing my fingers about that, too!

Whoa! The tension just kept picking up as the night wore on. CJ’s didn’t just handle Domogarov, he completely owned the man. It was insanely attractive, too.

Bad news report: No one expected Elijah to be taken so soon. Good news report: Our six wolves can apparently feel each other when emotions are very strong and they can push specific feelings into the bond when necessary and helpful. The drone works well. The area has been basically scoped out. Connor explained the area around the mine and might be even more helpful in the future. Wayne’s code word meant they were, at least initially, ok. Hot tubs are not only relaxing but can lead to really great sex.

Even though it was expected to happen, the tension ratcheted up to the point I sucked in a breath when Elijah was grabbed. I really hope nothing terrible happens to him.

Puzzle pieces put in place, (liberal arts major… alliteration much easier than chemistry) so we now know more about how the plan will work. Seems like a solid plan. Crossing fingers it goes as planned and when Elijah is taken he is not detected.

I can’t decide if CJ respectfully but firmly standing up to Northman or the military grade, way too cool, encryption system for CJ and Ozzie’s phones is my favorite part of the chapter. Both having me looking forward to future interactions!

Yes, please.

I read the museum part twice. Feldspar being moved by the painting, analyzing it, relating it to his creation and bond with Mal, was both touching and bittersweet. That he is able to recognize the bond being born of battle but strengthened by brotherhood, rather than desire, is a testimony to Silver. Later, Feldspar’s realization that the European Fae shrewdly won the hearts and minds of humans in order to have peaceful integration is a pivotal moment. Feldspar starting to feel a little homesick says to me he is emotionally ready to go back. He’s achieved a level of inner peace that can be brought back to the Wood when he and Silver return.

I really like Elijah! And I really hope that he and his smelly bottom make it out alive. So far the plan is excellent, but dangerous. Seems to me that with all of the preplanning, the group could come up with an abort mission plan for Elijah. Couldn’t he shift into something else to escape? There is so much potential for his cover to be blown.