Genre: Paranormal
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Tony
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About The Book
Animal Control Officer Derek Williams is a wolf shifter and not one inclined to long-lasting relationships. Not only does he take animal abuse personally, he has a temper and isn’t afraid to show it. However, he changes his tune when the newest veterinarian starts working for the Animal Services Center.
Recovering from an abusive relationship and hiding supernatural abilities of his own, Brian O’Donogue wants a fresh start and a new place to call home. Quickly dubbed the “animal shrink” by co-workers, Brian doesn’t know what to make of Derek at first. Then he manages to confront Derek during one of his rages, and they both see each other in a new light.
Eventually they take a chance on their feelings and the ensuing relationship is better than either of them could have hoped—until a rogue wolf shifter attacks Brian. The abrupt attack forces Derek and Brian to confront their secrets and whether their relationship can weather the storm heading their way.
The rogue shifter is out there, and he’s hunting them.
BONUS STORY: Celtic Warrior and Wolf Spirit
Derek and Brian are celebrating their first Christmas together, and Brian is determined to show Derek a Christmas like those he shared with his family back east. A wolf shifter, Derek has never celebrated a traditional Christmas before—his pack would usually shift on Yule and hunt down prey. But the unexpected appearance of Brian’s abusive ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve threatens not only Brian’s holiday plans but his future with Derek.
Second Editions with updated and revised text.
The Review
Derek is a wolf shifter working for an Animal Services Center, and is one of the officers involved in rescuing animals at risk. He has a bad temper and a hatred of anyone who is cruel to animals. He also hates all humans, except maybe his fellow workers. Let’s be honest, that way he makes sure he gets to hate everyone who deserves it, indiscriminate as it sounds.
When the punishment for cruelty is only a fine, Derek has to vent his anger somehow. That usually involves him thumping something. So far, that something has avoided being someone, unless it’s in a bar. Then the bets are off.
There is only one person who is willing to stand up to him, and that’s the Center vet, Brian. For Brian, that takes an effort of will, as he has moved to the West to escape an abusive partner. Brian would like to keep out of Derek’s way, but there’s something about him that makes Brian decide to take a risk.
He’s also is the only person who can get Derek to calm down. There’s a reason for that, but you are going to have to read this book to find out for yourselves.
The story follows the two as they circle one other and learn to trust each other. Just when it looks like they have things sorted, their lives are put at risk. In the process, Derek’s shifter nature is revealed to Brian, and an organisation called the Agency is called in by Derek’s pack to help protect them. The Agency will have a big part to play in the series as protectors of shifters and other paranormals at risk.
Psychic Moon is book one in the Shifter Chronicles, an exciting and interesting take on the shifter community. It has two likable characters who have a few issues to resolve, and it’s quite fun, too!
The second edition of this book also has an additional story – the sequel ‘Celtic Warrior and Wolf Spirit’ – which tells us what happens when Brian’s abusive ex-partner tracks him down. It answers some of the questions you might have had concerning Brian’s past, and resolves any future problems they may have experienced from that quarter.
The Reviewer
Tony is an Englishman living amongst the Welsh and the Other Folk in the mountains of Wales. He lives with his partner of thirty-six years, four dogs, two ponies, various birds, and his bees. He is a retired lecturer and a writer of no renown but that doesn’t stop him enjoying what he used to think of as ‘sensible’ fantasy and sf. He’s surprised to find that if the story is well written and has likeable characters undergoing the trails of life, i.e. falling in love, falling out of love, having a bit of nooky (but not all the time), fending off foes, aliens and monsters, etc., he’ll be happy as a sandperson who has just offloaded a wagon of sand at the going market price. As long as there’s a story, he’s in. He aims to write fair and honest reviews. If he finds he is not the target reader he’ll move on.
