Burning Now by A.R. Moler

Publisher: Torquere Press

Date published: 9/4/13
ISBN: 978-1-61040-529-4
MM Shapeshifter
E-book

Reviewed by Helen

Weblink: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3979

Obtained via publisher

Rating: 4

Chef Vanya Stravinsky and his sister Katerina are Zhar-ptitsa, firebird shapeshifters. After being robbed and shot, Vanya wakes up in the ruins of a burning building as he’s rescued by fireman Gideon Sato. There’s a strong link between them and Vanya soon wonders if they are true mates. Meanwhile the police suspect him of setting the warehouse fire and he doesn’t know how to prove he’s innocent except by going further into danger. When all he wants is to get closer to Gideon.

This book starts off really well, dragging the reader right into the suspense and action. The drama is leavened with a few really good laugh out loud lines, as well as the tenuous beginnings of the romance. Both Vanya and Gideon are well-developed, well-rounded characters with layers and secrets and distinct personalities. I like Katerina as well. There’s an excellent, unexpected plot turn, and the erotic side of the male/male romance is well written with the sex scenes as hot as the burning building.

This book is very different from another one I read by this author, AR Moler, but just as well worth reading, especially for readers who like their shapeshifters a little different and enjoy MM stories. I will certainly be looking for more of this author’s books. I also really liked the cover. It’s perfect for the book. The writing was very clean with only a few minor errors that don’t slow down the reader at all. This is a gripping book that will undoubtedly be read in a single sitting.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.