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.

 

FALLING FROM A HEIGHT by AR Moler

Publisher: Torquere Press

Date published: 07/31/13

ISBN: 978-1-61040-509-6

Romantic Suspense

E-book

Reviewed by Helen

Weblink: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3954

Obtained via publisher

Captain Jonas Nightengale is sent to find out who tried to capture a new missile. As well as being a Navy SEAL, he works for the highly secret Division P which uses psychic talents such as his own ability to hold an item and learn who touched it. At Fort Detrick he works with Sergeant Sarah Quilleran, the head of security. She has some psi abilities but is untrained. Together they encounter danger at every turn.

Part of the Division P series.

The author, AR Moler, takes her research seriously, even to learning to rappel down a cliff to get that part of the story correct, and it shows in her tight writing. The action scenes are a breathtaking combination of fast and scary. I also like the way she explains the psychic abilities in clear, concise imagery anyone can understand. Sarah is very good at her job, a good team leader and manager, yet less confident about emotional things and relationships. Jonas also guards his emotions because of his abilities. The attraction between Sarah and Jonas is instant and engaging, and their psychic connection makes it very believable. There’s a lot happening in the book, especially considering it’s only 21000 words. But it doesn’t feel like things are left out. Rather, the reader is drawn along with the action, knowing everything she needs to know to enjoy the book. I’ll definitely be checking out other stories in this series.

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