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Creature Feature #1
Creature Feature
Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.
Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she's sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.
Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she's sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2013
35 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Dennison
30Ìýbooks396ÌýfollowersAdd two parts sass and one part sweet and you have Poppy Dennison to T—sweet tea that is. Raised by a gaggle of Southern women who love reading and have backbones of steel, Poppy was brought up to see the best in people but always speak her mind. Mix it all together, like Grandma’s famous cobbler, and you get a sassy, Southern lady with a quick wit and loads of charm, who will soften any blow with “Bless your heart.â€� Her books reflect her small town roots, are filled with all the comforts of home, and come with side dish of spicy, because that’s the way she likes it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 1, 2016
*2.5 stars overall*
Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison- 2 stars
This was pretty disappointing for me, mainly because the story really made no sense. The whole plot sort of fell apart at the end... like completely. I also didn't really buy the shifter world and how easily Andrew adapted. I also didn't really warm to him much, and I felt sort of "meh" about his relationship with Caleb overall.
However, what might have been a decent story in ebook form was made much worse by the narration by . He read in a strange silted manner, and paused at weird moments. It broke up the sentences in a strange way, and it felt jarring to listen to. Also, he didn't have much differentiation between the voices of the all characters, which is a pet peeve of mine. I'm not saying he is the worst narrator I've heard, and his voice has a pleasant sound, but his reading style irked me. Also, the recording is a little off quality-wise with some slight echoing in the background.
Landslide by Mary Calmes- 3 stars
Very classic Mary Calmes. VERY.
I also wasn't completely wowed by this one, but it was charming to have the guy who everyone wants be a husky bear versus a classically good-looking stud. Imagine a Mary Calmes book with an incubus... yup, you got the whole story. The side plot with Frank's sister, Lindsey, was a bit distracting for me, and I wasn't sure how or why Frank ignored Cael's insistence that he was attracted to him for so long, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story overall. Just easy listening.
In terms of the narration, I think Jeff Gelder did a much better job with this one. He still sounded choppy to me, but more animated and into the story. He did a wider range of voices here, and I enjoyed his narration more than I had before.
A pleasant way to pass the time.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 21, 2013
Review 3.75*
Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Andrew lost his job, so he is working as a nurse for a temp agency. When his boss calls and offers him double his usual pay he jumps at the chance, of course finding out that no one has lasted a day at the place he is being sent to, isn't reassuring.
He arrives at the beautiful, expensive mansion and wonders what he has gotten into.
The patient, Caleb has no file, the two armed body guards Andrew thinks of as Scowly and Scowlier only grunt and growl at him, he decides he doesn't really need to eat or pay his rent, he'll just leave. The patient's father Alfonse convinces Andrew to stay for a three day trail period. Andrew really doesn't have a choice, his lying, stealing, scumbag of a brother emptied his bank account and maxed his credit cards, and Andrew being a good guy is paying them off instead of turning him in.
Before the three days are over something happens that change this arrangement and Andrew's world.
Now, you can probably guess by the title of the story what the story is about, or at least part of it, and you would be right, but there is a small mystery as to who/what/why Caleb is sick ( I figured out the cause right from the start, thank you very much) and who is behind it, the brother also causes even more trouble and needs to be taught a lesson.
I liked Andrew, he's funny and takes it all in stride, his thoughts and joking way of dealing with Caleb was cute and Caleb was sweet. The shifters in this story didn't really fit the mold of most of the Were books I read, and there were absolutely no women in this entire story, that's not important, I just noticed. I would have liked to know more about Caleb and the others, and I had the feeling Andrew would have liked to have been more informed too, it was a cute, fun read, with a very romantic ending and a more patient take on the mate/claiming issue.
Review. 4.25*
Landslide by Mary Calmes
I loved this one, I don't want to give too much away, but let's say it's not that Cael hasn't made it perfectly clear to Frank, that he is his mate and he wants him, Frank just lets his insecurities and hang-ups about himself get in the way. Get in the way for THREE years, that is one patient demon.
Frank is a mihr, which means that yes, when he was a marine, a bullet or poison could kill him, but he is immune to magical beings mucking up his thinking, as such he found a great job as a courier for demons.
Cael, an incubus demon, is now his boss, and his mate, Cael's over 1000 years old and the three years of chasing Frank are starting to wear thin. But this is Frank, he is a wonderful guy, but he has been told and made to feel like he is fat and not good enough most of his life, and Cael is an incubus demon, you know that means he is HOT! Frank just knows that Cael will tire of him and doesn't want to risk his heart. And Frank also has a teeny little secret, which is part of the reason all of Cael's gentle wooing hasn't been working.
The world building is great, the public knows about shifters and weres and vampires, they are strictly regulated by Homeland Security and definitely discriminated against.
So the problem his sister is in could be life or death, at least for someone.
Frank is a sweetie, so when his sis calls him in tears and damsel in distress mode, he not only rides to the rescue but asks Cael along for the ride.
This is where their relationship finally is given a chance, and I loved it, it's fun, romantic and sweet and hot. Frank is very capable and tough, but his heart is vulnerable and Cael is an old and very powerful scary ass demon, but really putty in Frank's hand. I love that even if Frank had been pushing Cael away and not letting him in, Cael had seen and watched and loved Frank and finally Frank could see it. There is a scene in the book where Cael tells Frank all the things he has noticed about him and loves about him *sigh*. Everyone needs a Cael.
There is love, romance, action, annoying family, aggravating werewolves, possessive demons and fun in this short and I will definitely be rereading it. If you liked the Warder Series then this will be for you.
December 5, 2014
Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison:
This was the most G rated shifter book I have ever read. It drove me crazy. I wanted to smack all the wolves and tell them to grow a pair, and the main character I wanted punch in the face every time he whined about he couldn't be around that much violence.
Oh Please. Tween girls are more violent than these assholes.
Landslide by Mary Calmes:
I like this story better than the first, but ending left me wanting. I wanted to know if Frank got powers, was his life extended, what did the mark moving to his eyes do? All these questions just pissed me off and dropped the rating from a 3 to a 2.5.
This was the most G rated shifter book I have ever read. It drove me crazy. I wanted to smack all the wolves and tell them to grow a pair, and the main character I wanted punch in the face every time he whined about he couldn't be around that much violence.
Oh Please. Tween girls are more violent than these assholes.
Landslide by Mary Calmes:
I like this story better than the first, but ending left me wanting. I wanted to know if Frank got powers, was his life extended, what did the mark moving to his eyes do? All these questions just pissed me off and dropped the rating from a 3 to a 2.5.
May 26, 2015
Poppy Dennison's Diagnosis Wolf - 3 stars, good enough.
Mary Calmes's Landslide - 4 stars. If you've read any other Mary Calmes book, you know what you're getting here. EXCEPT, instead of a gorgeous twink, our POV character is a burly bear with a heart of gold--and I ate that up like a loaf of fresh bread with butter.
Mary Calmes's Landslide - 4 stars. If you've read any other Mary Calmes book, you know what you're getting here. EXCEPT, instead of a gorgeous twink, our POV character is a burly bear with a heart of gold--and I ate that up like a loaf of fresh bread with butter.
March 20, 2013
3.5 Landslide Mary Calmes
Haven't read Poppy Dennison's story yet. So the rating may change.
Haven't read Poppy Dennison's story yet. So the rating may change.
April 20, 2013
Diagnosis:Wolf 2.5 stars
Somehow I don't really feel sympathetic to Andrew. Also, A bit too ambitious for mafia-style story, but lacking and shallow in the executions.
Landslide 2.5 stars
A rapid dialogue between a man and his suitor. The first man keeps resisting another man's charming assaults. The first man knows he's madly attracted to the second one, but for some reasons he's holding out. Until one day, when he realizes how important he is to the second one...And they are together ever since.
Sounds familiar? If it does that's because that's the template that Ms. Calmes uses in almost all of her books. The differences between one story and the next one are the setting and the physical traits of the two main characters.
I wouldn't say stale, but there's only a number of ways to play such basic plot before it gets tiring. Granted, there's such thing as author's signature plot, but there's also another thing called one-trick pony. I like her books, but for me, Ms. Calmes' books have lingered dangerously too close to the line that separates them.
Somehow I don't really feel sympathetic to Andrew. Also, A bit too ambitious for mafia-style story, but lacking and shallow in the executions.
Landslide 2.5 stars
A rapid dialogue between a man and his suitor. The first man keeps resisting another man's charming assaults. The first man knows he's madly attracted to the second one, but for some reasons he's holding out. Until one day, when he realizes how important he is to the second one...And they are together ever since.
Sounds familiar? If it does that's because that's the template that Ms. Calmes uses in almost all of her books. The differences between one story and the next one are the setting and the physical traits of the two main characters.
I wouldn't say stale, but there's only a number of ways to play such basic plot before it gets tiring. Granted, there's such thing as author's signature plot, but there's also another thing called one-trick pony. I like her books, but for me, Ms. Calmes' books have lingered dangerously too close to the line that separates them.
February 22, 2014
Two enjoyable...but not too scary, paranormal reads. Loaded with shifters, demons and vampires. With a side of humor, love and ass kicking!! Simply...awesome.
"Ill huff, and puff, and I'll blow you."
"Ill huff, and puff, and I'll blow you."
July 19, 2024
I only read the Mary Calmes story, Landslide, which was a really interesting AU where vampires, were animals, shifters and demons abound.
I enjoyed it, it was a quick, fun read.
I enjoyed it, it was a quick, fun read.
July 23, 2024
Hmmm...I read both and can't say either really did too much for me. I'll just give it 3�'s and call it a day.
Diagnosis: Wolf just kind of didn't make all that much sense. It was a new Were world that maybe needed more history for me to really get it.
Landslide would have probably been awesome with like 100 more pages or something or no, maybe all the pages with the sister side story missing. I love Mary's books and the world she was creating here had me really getting into it but then it stopped being so much about the MC's and more about the Werewolves.
Diagnosis: Wolf just kind of didn't make all that much sense. It was a new Were world that maybe needed more history for me to really get it.
Landslide would have probably been awesome with like 100 more pages or something or no, maybe all the pages with the sister side story missing. I love Mary's books and the world she was creating here had me really getting into it but then it stopped being so much about the MC's and more about the Werewolves.
October 9, 2014
I enjoyed both stories, I'd love for Mary Calmes to write more in this world, Frank and Cael were awesome, and I wanted to see who 'Charming' ended up with as well as other demons and their ilk
*** Just finished the audiobook. I've heard worse narrators though I feel like this one does weird inflection. Still I enjoyed having the characters come to life! I have Still, Frog and All Kinds of Tied Down in audio version to go through next!!**
*** Just finished the audiobook. I've heard worse narrators though I feel like this one does weird inflection. Still I enjoyed having the characters come to life! I have Still, Frog and All Kinds of Tied Down in audio version to go through next!!**
June 23, 2014
I found both stories weak and dissapointing, especially Mary Calmes which was the same regurgirated characters in a supposedly new setting -but what really made it boring was the amount of info dumpt that she brought to this short story - she clarified by telling the reader the rules of the paranormal world she was creating for this story which then for me became a snooze fest.
April 1, 2013
Absolutely loved the character of Cael in Mary Calmes story. He's bad ass and can do what he wants (demon and all) but he wants his teddy bear Frank to come to him voluntarily, because he wants to. Cael in protection mode, such as at Franks house, is the best.
November 26, 2013
I loved the title and the cover of this book. Yep. I'm just that shallow to read a book because of those things. Well, the fact that two of my favorite authors, Mary Calmes and Poppy Dennison, had each written a paranormal 'Creature Feature' probably played a bigger part.
Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Andrew needs money, badly, since his brother decided to "borrow" all of his savings and max out his credit card. If he doesn't get some work soon he won't be able to pay his rent. When the manager of the job service he works for calls, he'll do just about anything, even heading to a house where they've requested a female nurse, and where the father is apparently "difficult". But it's at double his normal hourly wage so he'll certainly try. Once Andrew gets inside the house, it's obvious the father isn't the problem, but his two bodyguards could use some manners. What's really strange, though, is that no one will tell him what is wrong with Caleb, and with no chart around, Andrew is left in the dark. He reluctantly agrees to care for Caleb for three days and, after that time, if he's going to stay on as his caretaker, Caleb's dad agrees to tell him everything.
Andrew's second day of work has an explosive beginning and, all of a sudden, Andrew is hit with the knowledge that shifters, wolf to be exact, do exist. It appears that Caleb has been growing weaker over the past few weeks and has now lost his ability to shift. Huh. A medical mystery, albeit of the paranormal type, for Andrew to focus on. The fact that Caleb's wolf appears to be responding to Andrew is taken as a good sign. Now, if only Andrew and Caleb can try to ignore their attraction while Andrew is working for him.
This is an exciting, fast-paced and very well written story. The climax (grins) left me breathless (snort) as there was a whole lot of intrigue and an action-packed ending. The romance between Andrew and Caleb was super sweet and I thought it was wonderful that both men got their perfect person when everything was said and done. Great story, Poppy, thank you!
Landslide by Mary Calmes
Demons, werewolves, witches, and more. Oh my! I love a good demon story and the fact that the author created a world where fairly regular people work as couriers for the paranormal was fascinating. Turns out paranormals don't trust other supernaturals to come and go from their homes, places of business, etc. Huh. Who knew? So, that's where Frank comes in. After eight years in the Marines he was introduced to the paranormal world, and being a big, tough bear who also is a mihr, someone whose mind and body cannot be messed with by paranormal tricks or magic, he took on the job of courier and has never looked back. He's worked for Cael, incubus demon, for the last three years. Of course, Cael claims that Frank is his mate and he even marked Frank with tattoos from head to toe, but Frank isn't buying the whole mate thing. Frank figures it's just demon doublespeak. Unfortunately for Frank, everything about Cael, even his true form in hell, just does it for Frank.
I fell for Frank and, amazingly, I fell for Cael, too. Frank is just a big ol' bear who likes to take care of people and protect them. I mean, in the three years he's been working as a courier for Cael, he's become friends with the werewolf who is always hired to steal whatever Frank is transporting. Frank even nicknamed the werewolf, Charming. It was really easy to view Cael as a power hungry demon, but he isn't. He has his own vulnerabilities and the fact that Frank doesn't believe he is his mate and won't spend time with Cael really hurts him. So, when Frank asks for Cael's assistance to help his little sister who got herself into a world of stupid trouble, Cael is thrilled to spend time with Frank. Helping Frank's sister doesn't turn out to be that easy, though, and the intimacy that Frank has fought against for three long years can't help but come to the forefront during their "adventure".
Wow. These guys were intensely hot together. Watching Frank lust for Cael's dominance was intensely erotic and when Cael claimed him? Oh boy. Cold shower might have been required. I'm not admitting to anything, though. This was a great story and I loved every minute of it and really would like to see more of Cael, Frank, and this world. Thank you, Mary!
Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Andrew needs money, badly, since his brother decided to "borrow" all of his savings and max out his credit card. If he doesn't get some work soon he won't be able to pay his rent. When the manager of the job service he works for calls, he'll do just about anything, even heading to a house where they've requested a female nurse, and where the father is apparently "difficult". But it's at double his normal hourly wage so he'll certainly try. Once Andrew gets inside the house, it's obvious the father isn't the problem, but his two bodyguards could use some manners. What's really strange, though, is that no one will tell him what is wrong with Caleb, and with no chart around, Andrew is left in the dark. He reluctantly agrees to care for Caleb for three days and, after that time, if he's going to stay on as his caretaker, Caleb's dad agrees to tell him everything.
Andrew's second day of work has an explosive beginning and, all of a sudden, Andrew is hit with the knowledge that shifters, wolf to be exact, do exist. It appears that Caleb has been growing weaker over the past few weeks and has now lost his ability to shift. Huh. A medical mystery, albeit of the paranormal type, for Andrew to focus on. The fact that Caleb's wolf appears to be responding to Andrew is taken as a good sign. Now, if only Andrew and Caleb can try to ignore their attraction while Andrew is working for him.
This is an exciting, fast-paced and very well written story. The climax (grins) left me breathless (snort) as there was a whole lot of intrigue and an action-packed ending. The romance between Andrew and Caleb was super sweet and I thought it was wonderful that both men got their perfect person when everything was said and done. Great story, Poppy, thank you!
Landslide by Mary Calmes
Demons, werewolves, witches, and more. Oh my! I love a good demon story and the fact that the author created a world where fairly regular people work as couriers for the paranormal was fascinating. Turns out paranormals don't trust other supernaturals to come and go from their homes, places of business, etc. Huh. Who knew? So, that's where Frank comes in. After eight years in the Marines he was introduced to the paranormal world, and being a big, tough bear who also is a mihr, someone whose mind and body cannot be messed with by paranormal tricks or magic, he took on the job of courier and has never looked back. He's worked for Cael, incubus demon, for the last three years. Of course, Cael claims that Frank is his mate and he even marked Frank with tattoos from head to toe, but Frank isn't buying the whole mate thing. Frank figures it's just demon doublespeak. Unfortunately for Frank, everything about Cael, even his true form in hell, just does it for Frank.
I fell for Frank and, amazingly, I fell for Cael, too. Frank is just a big ol' bear who likes to take care of people and protect them. I mean, in the three years he's been working as a courier for Cael, he's become friends with the werewolf who is always hired to steal whatever Frank is transporting. Frank even nicknamed the werewolf, Charming. It was really easy to view Cael as a power hungry demon, but he isn't. He has his own vulnerabilities and the fact that Frank doesn't believe he is his mate and won't spend time with Cael really hurts him. So, when Frank asks for Cael's assistance to help his little sister who got herself into a world of stupid trouble, Cael is thrilled to spend time with Frank. Helping Frank's sister doesn't turn out to be that easy, though, and the intimacy that Frank has fought against for three long years can't help but come to the forefront during their "adventure".
Wow. These guys were intensely hot together. Watching Frank lust for Cael's dominance was intensely erotic and when Cael claimed him? Oh boy. Cold shower might have been required. I'm not admitting to anything, though. This was a great story and I loved every minute of it and really would like to see more of Cael, Frank, and this world. Thank you, Mary!
October 2, 2014
Diagnosis Wolf:
Andrew is a nurse sent to the house of a shifter (not a werewolf) who has been possibly poisoned by enemies of their family. Caleb (the shifter) finds Andrew to be very attractive and it’s his protective instincts of Andrew that help him to start the recovery process. Andrew’s brother has gotten into deep water and is hoping to use Andrew’s connection to the rich DiMartino family to get out of debt. When push comes to shove, Caleb and his family manage to solve the medical mystery and defeat the bad guys (with Andrew’s help, of course.)
Landslide:
Frank is a special human, immune to most effects of paranormal power and as such acts as a liaison between the various “species�. On one mission he meets Cael, a demon of great power, who claims to be his mate. Frank doesn’t believe him and makes the poor demon wait 3 years before finally succumbing to seduction and finding true love. In the meantime they defeat some bad guys and mostly make you giggle.
**
This is the first time I’d read anything by Poppy Dennison and it was wonderful. It is a full story, richly detailed, and though it lacks the “fated mate� scenario in some shifter stories, it has enough of those elements to keep my sappy heart happy. The love was sweet and the sex was hot and the action exciting.
And then there’s Mary’s story� how can you NOT love a Mary story. Frank is hysterical. Ever the doubting Thomas, he thinks Cael (like the vegetable Kale) is “repulsed� because he’s not a twink and therefore not Cael’s type. Of course, Cael is ridiculously patient and let’s the misunderstanding go on for three years� three years! (Mary must have a thing for three years� remember Sam and Jory?!? ) But when they do get together it is sweet and sexy and very, very satisfying.
Audio Version:
6 hours and 29 minutes, narrated by Jeff Gelder
Jeff does a nice job with both narrations. The recording takes a minute to get used to, there is a vague tinny sound to it, but it kind of lends itself to the creepy nature of the stories and it blends into the background after awhile.
He didn’t do any over the top voices or any serious “acting� but he doesn’t distract from the stories themselves either and it was a nice listening experience.
I give the book a 5 of 5 hearts, the audio a 4 of 5 hearts and an overall 4.5 of 5 hearts. I highly recommend both the book and the audio version.
Andrew is a nurse sent to the house of a shifter (not a werewolf) who has been possibly poisoned by enemies of their family. Caleb (the shifter) finds Andrew to be very attractive and it’s his protective instincts of Andrew that help him to start the recovery process. Andrew’s brother has gotten into deep water and is hoping to use Andrew’s connection to the rich DiMartino family to get out of debt. When push comes to shove, Caleb and his family manage to solve the medical mystery and defeat the bad guys (with Andrew’s help, of course.)
Landslide:
Frank is a special human, immune to most effects of paranormal power and as such acts as a liaison between the various “species�. On one mission he meets Cael, a demon of great power, who claims to be his mate. Frank doesn’t believe him and makes the poor demon wait 3 years before finally succumbing to seduction and finding true love. In the meantime they defeat some bad guys and mostly make you giggle.
**
This is the first time I’d read anything by Poppy Dennison and it was wonderful. It is a full story, richly detailed, and though it lacks the “fated mate� scenario in some shifter stories, it has enough of those elements to keep my sappy heart happy. The love was sweet and the sex was hot and the action exciting.
And then there’s Mary’s story� how can you NOT love a Mary story. Frank is hysterical. Ever the doubting Thomas, he thinks Cael (like the vegetable Kale) is “repulsed� because he’s not a twink and therefore not Cael’s type. Of course, Cael is ridiculously patient and let’s the misunderstanding go on for three years� three years! (Mary must have a thing for three years� remember Sam and Jory?!? ) But when they do get together it is sweet and sexy and very, very satisfying.
Audio Version:
6 hours and 29 minutes, narrated by Jeff Gelder
Jeff does a nice job with both narrations. The recording takes a minute to get used to, there is a vague tinny sound to it, but it kind of lends itself to the creepy nature of the stories and it blends into the background after awhile.
He didn’t do any over the top voices or any serious “acting� but he doesn’t distract from the stories themselves either and it was a nice listening experience.
I give the book a 5 of 5 hearts, the audio a 4 of 5 hearts and an overall 4.5 of 5 hearts. I highly recommend both the book and the audio version.
March 24, 2013
Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.
★★★★�
--OMFG! I absolutely LOVED this story!! It really was quite awesome. lol... I'm hoping there is some kind of sequel in the future or something. I'd totally love to read more of these characters!
Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she's sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.
★★★★�
--Ahh~ Mary, you've done it again. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Though, I do admit there was a part that kind of bothered me because even though the main chara explained the situation I still found it odd to act normal around someone that just attacked you. But then, in the supernatural world, things are simply just. LOL... LOVED IT!! and omfg... I sure as hell hope we see these characters again.! I WANT TO SO BAD!! OMFG!! Wonderful new world she's created!
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.
★★★★�
--OMFG! I absolutely LOVED this story!! It really was quite awesome. lol... I'm hoping there is some kind of sequel in the future or something. I'd totally love to read more of these characters!
Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she's sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.
★★★★�
--Ahh~ Mary, you've done it again. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Though, I do admit there was a part that kind of bothered me because even though the main chara explained the situation I still found it odd to act normal around someone that just attacked you. But then, in the supernatural world, things are simply just. LOL... LOVED IT!! and omfg... I sure as hell hope we see these characters again.! I WANT TO SO BAD!! OMFG!! Wonderful new world she's created!
March 30, 2013
A very enjoyable double bill of m/m paranormal goodies! Not read a lot of Poppy Dennison but after this will definitely check out more and Mary Calmes is a favourite anyway so I was doubly satisfied.
Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison.
Andrew is a nurse who's in need of extra money due to his bad boy brother stealing his hard earned cash, he gets the offer of nursing Caleb DiMartino, a young very attractive guy who is suffering from a strange illness and who's family is also very odd and secretive. Attraction flares but does this put Andrew in danger and why won't anyone tell Andrew whats really going on ? A short but sweet read that got me curious to search out more of Ms Dennisons works. Liked it a lot.
3.75*
Landslide by Mary Calmes
Frank is human living and working as a courier amongst the paranormal society that has been living amongst humans for the last 50 yrs or so. His sister gets bitten by a werewolf, she tells him she's seen a murder and his boss ( a demon) is trying to pin him down because Frank is his mate but Frank has issues about his looks and can't believe his gorgeous boss even likes him let alone want him in that type of way! Humorous and quirky, I loved this one.
Anything by Mary ticks my boxes so It gets 4*
Great sexy paranormal duo, made me smile and did what a good book should do.... Left me feeling satisfied. Lightweight but fun.
Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison.
Andrew is a nurse who's in need of extra money due to his bad boy brother stealing his hard earned cash, he gets the offer of nursing Caleb DiMartino, a young very attractive guy who is suffering from a strange illness and who's family is also very odd and secretive. Attraction flares but does this put Andrew in danger and why won't anyone tell Andrew whats really going on ? A short but sweet read that got me curious to search out more of Ms Dennisons works. Liked it a lot.
3.75*
Landslide by Mary Calmes
Frank is human living and working as a courier amongst the paranormal society that has been living amongst humans for the last 50 yrs or so. His sister gets bitten by a werewolf, she tells him she's seen a murder and his boss ( a demon) is trying to pin him down because Frank is his mate but Frank has issues about his looks and can't believe his gorgeous boss even likes him let alone want him in that type of way! Humorous and quirky, I loved this one.
Anything by Mary ticks my boxes so It gets 4*
Great sexy paranormal duo, made me smile and did what a good book should do.... Left me feeling satisfied. Lightweight but fun.
February 20, 2015
Both stories are decent but neither is outstanding. My preference was for Mary's story but I'm still not big on demons and the strange way they integrate into Mary's plots (similar to her Warder series). All up, if you want a bit of paranormal fun these are fine, but there isn't enough material in them for you to want more...
March 10, 2022
Poppy Dennison's...4.5
Mary Calmes...5
Mary Calmes...5
September 4, 2017
Puppy's story was OK. It was entertaining. 3 stars.
Mary's story pulled me right in. I couldn't put it down once I started. I was sad to come to the end. I wanted to read more of Frank and Cael's world. I hope she writes more about these two. 4 stars.
Mary's story pulled me right in. I couldn't put it down once I started. I was sad to come to the end. I wanted to read more of Frank and Cael's world. I hope she writes more about these two. 4 stars.
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed both these tales. They both had a different feel to them and they occur in different worlds but they both follow the same theme. I would love more in the Mary Calmes world where weres, shifters, and vampires are all known to society.
December 22, 2017
4 Stars (Both stories)
February 10, 2018
This volume contains two great stories: Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison and Landslide by Mary Calmes. If you've ever seen my booklist, you know I'm a huge Mary Calmes fan, so I just had to read this volume. And I was pleasantly surprised by Poppy's story as well.
Diagnosis: Wolf is a novella about Andrew, a down-on-his-luck home nurse, who has one of the world's worst brothers. His brother Danny has maxed out his credit cards and emptied out his savings account. However, he's too kind-hearted to turn his brother in, so he is struggling to make ends meet. When he is offered a home nursing job that pays double the usual, he takes it, even knowing that others have failed to get past the front door and that the adult patient's father is "difficult." He then meets Caleb DiMartino, who is suffering from a mysterious illness. His father, refuses to tell Andrew anything about the illness, just that his son isn't well and needs special care until he can "make things right." As Andrew begins to care for Caleb, in both a professional aspect and then in more than a professional aspect, he starts to learn that all is not how it seems with the DiMartino family.
I really liked this story. Initially, I wasn't a fan, because I hate when characters are paying for things that others have done. However, Andrew is a lovable character, and he does show some backbone when his brother comes calling. Also, the relationship between Andrew and Caleb is just great, a nice slow burn initially because Caleb is sick and Andrew is there in a professional capacity as his nurse. And then because they don't want to take anything too fast. Overall a very nice 4 star read.
Landslide is easily one of my favorite Mary Calmes stories. The characters are so interesting and memorable. Frank Corrigan is a human in a world of weres, shifters, demons, and vampires. However, he works as a courier for these paranormals since he's special, a mihr, someone who isn't susceptible to magic. Thus, he can (somewhat) safely traverse between the different paranormal groups, since as a former Marine he also knows how to protect himself from bodily harm. He currently works for Cael (pronounced like the vegetable kale), who is a powerful incubus demon. Frank has a bit of an issue with his body. He calls himself a bear, because he's about 50 lbs heavier than he wants to be. He works hard to be in shape and to lose the weight, but he still finds himself with few more rounded parts than he wants. He is comfortable with who he is, a large guy who is a "pushy bottom" in the bedroom. He's been disappointed before in his love life, with a previous boyfriend who seemed to like all that he was, but then broke up with him to move to a foreign country, and whose new boyfriend was model-beautiful. When Frank and Cael first met, they got off on the wrong foot. Cael gave him what Frank thought was a disgusted look, so he immediately had his hackles up. In actuality, Cael had realized that his mate, after a thousand years of waiting, was a very mortal human. However, Frank wasn't willing to take him at his word, so he refused to believe that he was Cael's mate. However, he agreed to work for him. Three years later, their relationship is very much set. Frank works dangerous courier jobs for Cael while Cael tries to push for a more intimate relationship. The story starts after one such job, in which Frank tussles with a werewolf that he's nicknamed Charming. Frank has been injured, but he refuses to let Cael into his home to see him. Frank is heading home the next day to attend an engagement party for his little sister. However, before he's even left, his sister calls him with an emergency. She's slept with a werewolf (not her fiance) and been turned. Oh, and she might have seen someone being dumped in a lake. Luckily, Frank is there to save the day and ask Cael for a favor.
I freaking love this story, and give it 5 stars. I really love that there is a non-physically-perfect character with real issues. And the paranormal world that Mary Calmes built with just a few simple paragraphs is great. I really hope there is more from this couple, though I'm really afraid that with all her other works she won't come back to them. I content myself with re-reading Landslide. There are also a few ficlets available on Amber Kell's blog that show the continuation of Cael and Frank's relationship as well as the friendship between Frank and Charming. If you loved this story as well, check them out. :)
Diagnosis: Wolf is a novella about Andrew, a down-on-his-luck home nurse, who has one of the world's worst brothers. His brother Danny has maxed out his credit cards and emptied out his savings account. However, he's too kind-hearted to turn his brother in, so he is struggling to make ends meet. When he is offered a home nursing job that pays double the usual, he takes it, even knowing that others have failed to get past the front door and that the adult patient's father is "difficult." He then meets Caleb DiMartino, who is suffering from a mysterious illness. His father, refuses to tell Andrew anything about the illness, just that his son isn't well and needs special care until he can "make things right." As Andrew begins to care for Caleb, in both a professional aspect and then in more than a professional aspect, he starts to learn that all is not how it seems with the DiMartino family.
I really liked this story. Initially, I wasn't a fan, because I hate when characters are paying for things that others have done. However, Andrew is a lovable character, and he does show some backbone when his brother comes calling. Also, the relationship between Andrew and Caleb is just great, a nice slow burn initially because Caleb is sick and Andrew is there in a professional capacity as his nurse. And then because they don't want to take anything too fast. Overall a very nice 4 star read.
Landslide is easily one of my favorite Mary Calmes stories. The characters are so interesting and memorable. Frank Corrigan is a human in a world of weres, shifters, demons, and vampires. However, he works as a courier for these paranormals since he's special, a mihr, someone who isn't susceptible to magic. Thus, he can (somewhat) safely traverse between the different paranormal groups, since as a former Marine he also knows how to protect himself from bodily harm. He currently works for Cael (pronounced like the vegetable kale), who is a powerful incubus demon. Frank has a bit of an issue with his body. He calls himself a bear, because he's about 50 lbs heavier than he wants to be. He works hard to be in shape and to lose the weight, but he still finds himself with few more rounded parts than he wants. He is comfortable with who he is, a large guy who is a "pushy bottom" in the bedroom. He's been disappointed before in his love life, with a previous boyfriend who seemed to like all that he was, but then broke up with him to move to a foreign country, and whose new boyfriend was model-beautiful. When Frank and Cael first met, they got off on the wrong foot. Cael gave him what Frank thought was a disgusted look, so he immediately had his hackles up. In actuality, Cael had realized that his mate, after a thousand years of waiting, was a very mortal human. However, Frank wasn't willing to take him at his word, so he refused to believe that he was Cael's mate. However, he agreed to work for him. Three years later, their relationship is very much set. Frank works dangerous courier jobs for Cael while Cael tries to push for a more intimate relationship. The story starts after one such job, in which Frank tussles with a werewolf that he's nicknamed Charming. Frank has been injured, but he refuses to let Cael into his home to see him. Frank is heading home the next day to attend an engagement party for his little sister. However, before he's even left, his sister calls him with an emergency. She's slept with a werewolf (not her fiance) and been turned. Oh, and she might have seen someone being dumped in a lake. Luckily, Frank is there to save the day and ask Cael for a favor.
I freaking love this story, and give it 5 stars. I really love that there is a non-physically-perfect character with real issues. And the paranormal world that Mary Calmes built with just a few simple paragraphs is great. I really hope there is more from this couple, though I'm really afraid that with all her other works she won't come back to them. I content myself with re-reading Landslide. There are also a few ficlets available on Amber Kell's blog that show the continuation of Cael and Frank's relationship as well as the friendship between Frank and Charming. If you loved this story as well, check them out. :)
January 26, 2016
Two books in one!
The first was Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison. Andrew, a male nurse with an almost constant inner monologue that often escapes into an outer monologue is an appealing character and his role as a nurse makes for a sympathetic insta-relationship with Caleb, the seriously ill scion of a powerful and wealthy shifter family.
Andrew's early naming of Scowly and Scowlier was quite fun as are a good number of his musings. Though it does seem odd that an established and wealthy family of shifters wouldn't have a doctor on-call... or a shaman/medicine woman, or maybe a vet!
This tale doesn't expand upon or use much shifter lore, and its attempt at the thriller aspects of the story were only tepid and the romance parts weren't particularly well motivated.
Dennison's tale felt a bit perfunctory, like a rounding the bases after an out of the park home run. Sure it touches all the bases but doesn't feel very in-depth or exciting. No new insights, no characters that we identify with and/or really grow to care about, but a satisfactory way to spend some time.
In this tale Jeff Gelder's narration felt like it could have been practiced more. His voice was appealing enough, and for the most part, his narration was good if not great, but at several spots throughout the story I felt myself pulled out of the tale by thoughts like "I'd have read that differently."
Landslide by Mary Calmes is in some ways the opposite of its companion piece. The tale is chock full of lore related to demons like Cael, the protagonist's employer. It's also refreshing to see a protagonist that's not a perfect physical specimen. Though this one's told in first person with ex-marine Frank as the protagonist/narrator, its really Cael, the incubus demon that I identified with most strongly. Both Frank and the demon do get a bit more character development than in the first tale and I connected more strongly with the romance as a result. (for those wanting more of the story of Cael and Frank check the free short at )
In Landslide, Gelder's narration felt more natural. The first person perspective and the more plentiful dialogue may have helped. There were still instances of odd emphasis and timing but it seemed less jarring than in the first piece. Of course it may just have been familiarity.
Co-incidentally, both stories are set in Arizona. Who knew that that state was such a hotbed of paranormal characters?
*** Note: I received a copy of this audiobook for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
The first was Diagnosis Wolf by Poppy Dennison. Andrew, a male nurse with an almost constant inner monologue that often escapes into an outer monologue is an appealing character and his role as a nurse makes for a sympathetic insta-relationship with Caleb, the seriously ill scion of a powerful and wealthy shifter family.
Andrew's early naming of Scowly and Scowlier was quite fun as are a good number of his musings. Though it does seem odd that an established and wealthy family of shifters wouldn't have a doctor on-call... or a shaman/medicine woman, or maybe a vet!
This tale doesn't expand upon or use much shifter lore, and its attempt at the thriller aspects of the story were only tepid and the romance parts weren't particularly well motivated.
Dennison's tale felt a bit perfunctory, like a rounding the bases after an out of the park home run. Sure it touches all the bases but doesn't feel very in-depth or exciting. No new insights, no characters that we identify with and/or really grow to care about, but a satisfactory way to spend some time.
In this tale Jeff Gelder's narration felt like it could have been practiced more. His voice was appealing enough, and for the most part, his narration was good if not great, but at several spots throughout the story I felt myself pulled out of the tale by thoughts like "I'd have read that differently."
Landslide by Mary Calmes is in some ways the opposite of its companion piece. The tale is chock full of lore related to demons like Cael, the protagonist's employer. It's also refreshing to see a protagonist that's not a perfect physical specimen. Though this one's told in first person with ex-marine Frank as the protagonist/narrator, its really Cael, the incubus demon that I identified with most strongly. Both Frank and the demon do get a bit more character development than in the first tale and I connected more strongly with the romance as a result. (for those wanting more of the story of Cael and Frank check the free short at )
In Landslide, Gelder's narration felt more natural. The first person perspective and the more plentiful dialogue may have helped. There were still instances of odd emphasis and timing but it seemed less jarring than in the first piece. Of course it may just have been familiarity.
Co-incidentally, both stories are set in Arizona. Who knew that that state was such a hotbed of paranormal characters?
*** Note: I received a copy of this audiobook for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
February 26, 2014
On the whole I enjoyed this anthology a lot.
Both stories made me happy and were considerably more solidly written than most of what I've dealt with recently. (This is my own fault, of course. But there you go.)
Diagnosis: Wolf, by .
Aww. That was wonderful. Sweet. Well-written and funny!
I don’t have a single negative thing to say about this.
I mean, yes. It was not a long story but it did make the most out of the space. And while it might also have worked as a first volume for a series, it definitely felt complete as it is.
I’m enjoying this author so much. :3
I’ll end this on a quotation, one of many that made me laugh.
Landslide, by .
Same as usual (for a story by this author).
Awesome dude with commitment issues, fending off the guy he wants until he stops fending him off. Themes revolve around being badass and awesome and about helping people in general and family in particular.
But we also have differences. Frankie’s not universally beautiful, nor is he beloved by all. Except by the end it’s steering towards that. Which is fine. A nice, fluffy happy ending.
There’s of course a lot of stuff surrounding the romance, but the latter is still very sweet.
Somehow, I found Cael particularly adorable � more so than Frankie, who was all right. I guess I just have a thing for passionate yet controlled, well-spoken gentlemen. Who may or may not be demons from hell, I suppose.
Both stories made me happy and were considerably more solidly written than most of what I've dealt with recently. (This is my own fault, of course. But there you go.)
Diagnosis: Wolf, by .
Aww. That was wonderful. Sweet. Well-written and funny!
I don’t have a single negative thing to say about this.
I mean, yes. It was not a long story but it did make the most out of the space. And while it might also have worked as a first volume for a series, it definitely felt complete as it is.
I’m enjoying this author so much. :3
I’ll end this on a quotation, one of many that made me laugh.
Landslide, by .
Same as usual (for a story by this author).
Awesome dude with commitment issues, fending off the guy he wants until he stops fending him off. Themes revolve around being badass and awesome and about helping people in general and family in particular.
But we also have differences. Frankie’s not universally beautiful, nor is he beloved by all. Except by the end it’s steering towards that. Which is fine. A nice, fluffy happy ending.
There’s of course a lot of stuff surrounding the romance, but the latter is still very sweet.
Somehow, I found Cael particularly adorable � more so than Frankie, who was all right. I guess I just have a thing for passionate yet controlled, well-spoken gentlemen. Who may or may not be demons from hell, I suppose.
July 21, 2020
Overall a good read. really liked the first story, loved the second one but I was disappointed in the way she let us believe itwouldend oneway and then right at the last moment, she changed it! I wanted the original ending. :(
Reread 7/20/2020
I agree completely with original review.
Reread 7/20/2020
I agree completely with original review.
June 29, 2017
2017 Re-Read:
I was in a Mary Calmes kind of mood, and I searched my library instead of just scrolling through and this little gem popped up! I'd forgotten all about it. Both stories are great, and it's been so long since my first read it was almost like reading brand new stories.
I was in a Mary Calmes kind of mood, and I searched my library instead of just scrolling through and this little gem popped up! I'd forgotten all about it. Both stories are great, and it's been so long since my first read it was almost like reading brand new stories.
March 12, 2013
3,5* for each story.
June 5, 2013
This is the typical example of how a bad cover can keep you away of two very entertaining stories. Give this book a chance.
April 10, 2013
I really enjoyed both of these stories. I'm more familiar with Mary Calmes then Poppy Dennison, but really liked both of them about equal.
April 11, 2013
LOVED IT!!!!! Both stories were great, but the last one...oh so touching!!!
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