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Ain't Myth-Behaving
A modern woman and a god from ancient legend? Surely an epic love mismatch...or maybe it's the "myth match" of the century? The irrepressible Katie MacAlister brings us heroes who are more than mere mortals in two sparkling new novellas of the Otherworld.
STAG PARTY
Dane Hearne -- also known as the Irish fertility god Cernunnos -- must choose a bride quickly. His long-time goddess has run off with a salsa dancer, and Dane must be married by Beltane, just a week away, or become a mortal -- and die. When he meets American travel writer Megan St. Clair, he knows he's found his soul mate. But while Dane is a sexy Irish hunk with his fair share of blarney, can he convince Megan to marry him in just one week?
NORSE TRULY
Alrik Sigurdsson is cursed to sail his Viking ship along the same stretch of Scandinavian coastline forever. So when lovely American Brynna Lund skids her car off the road into the ocean, he and his men are happy for the diversion of rescuing her. Then Alrik discovers that Brynna is the only woman who can break the curse. Is it any wonder that he's determined to keep her...forever?
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2007
28 people are currently reading
1,242 people want to read
About the author
Katie MacAlister
105Ìýbooks5,956ÌýfollowersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 23, 2019
I love myself some Katie MacAlister, so when I found this in a random, almost abandoned book store without realizing this book even existed, I was thrilled to max capacity!
This book wasn't as fast of a read as Katie's usual books, but I still loved it to the max! I loved every inch of the romance in the two little stories presented in the book and I found myself wanting to know the futures for the characters (Megan and Dane as well as Alrik and Brynna).
The two sets of stories were related to mythology and were little gems all in themselves. The different views on the mythology and romance in the stories made for quirky jokes and amazing one liners.
While it may not be my favorite Katie MacAlister book, it was still nice to read something made by one of my favorite romance authors. I would definitely read another book full of stories like this if I found another one!!
Five out of five stars! My fave author, romance, hot guys and jokes? I'm in!
This book wasn't as fast of a read as Katie's usual books, but I still loved it to the max! I loved every inch of the romance in the two little stories presented in the book and I found myself wanting to know the futures for the characters (Megan and Dane as well as Alrik and Brynna).
The two sets of stories were related to mythology and were little gems all in themselves. The different views on the mythology and romance in the stories made for quirky jokes and amazing one liners.
While it may not be my favorite Katie MacAlister book, it was still nice to read something made by one of my favorite romance authors. I would definitely read another book full of stories like this if I found another one!!
Five out of five stars! My fave author, romance, hot guys and jokes? I'm in!
July 5, 2010
Ain't Myth-Behaving showed up in my basket when I was pulling trashy romance novels from a used book store for one of my best friend's 30th birthday gift. It was a little too ragged for gifting, but seemed too funny to pass up, so I kept it.
It was only when I started reading that I realised I had in hand two stories. Both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
The first, "Stag Party", was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a timeline. He's been summoned by his druid followers to complete a marriage ritual. But his usual bride has run off to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Thankfully, (conveniently) there is an American woman who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied.
"Norse Truly" was funnier, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud on the bus when I came to the points where the our heroine (a Valkyrie descendent) tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking "ghost".
The romance / steamy bits almost seemed extraneous to the comic stories that MacAlister tells here. It was funny while it lasted, but I won't be reading them again. (Then again, I've never been big on romance novels.) For more "Myth" stories of a cooler quality, I'd go back to Robert Asprin.
It was only when I started reading that I realised I had in hand two stories. Both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
The first, "Stag Party", was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a timeline. He's been summoned by his druid followers to complete a marriage ritual. But his usual bride has run off to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Thankfully, (conveniently) there is an American woman who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied.
"Norse Truly" was funnier, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud on the bus when I came to the points where the our heroine (a Valkyrie descendent) tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking "ghost".
The romance / steamy bits almost seemed extraneous to the comic stories that MacAlister tells here. It was funny while it lasted, but I won't be reading them again. (Then again, I've never been big on romance novels.) For more "Myth" stories of a cooler quality, I'd go back to Robert Asprin.
August 8, 2009
Both stories are boring. The hero in Stag Party is arrogant as hell and annoying as well. It's a wonder the heroine falls for him at all. Norse Truly is a little better since it has Vikings and it's hard to mess that up. All in all, not Katie MacAlister's best effort.
August 27, 2016
i enjoyed these short stories i just wish they were full novels. they were just to rushed. especially nearing the end.
August 21, 2020
2.5 stars. Not very entertaining but not that bad either. Like mythology and romance and hoped a mixed of boat would be fun. But it was kinda meh for me. Might pick up other books of the author though.
April 1, 2012
Stag Party
Stag Party is told by Dane aka Cernunnos which was pretty entertaining and so threw me for a loop when he' suddenly start talking about his penis. Made me snicker a few times since I'd forget it was a guy talking more often than not. Dane's a little full of himself but he is a god after all, right? I liked him though. He could be so inappropriate at times but in a lighthearted just have to shake your head at him kind of way. Megan was great too. I liked that she didn't quite go along with everything Dane wanted and gave him a run for his money more than once. She's completely fascinated by the antlers that pop up when Dane's ticked which was kinda cute. The two were just fun together.
My favorite part were Dane's hellhounds. Each time he comes back they're recreated too and this time his mighty hell hounds are tiny toy poodles with red bows in their hair. OMG loved it!
Favorite quote:
Norse Truly
Really liked Norse Truly too. Alrik and his men have been stuck on their ship for centuries and can't step foot on land without someone breaking their curse. Enter Brynna, a human that doesn't know she's really a valkryie, who can help the men and get them to Valhalla. Maybe? There were some hysterical moments when she's trying to explain foreplay to the 1300 year old viking warrior/ghost. So funny. The two were pretty sweet together. A little silly but sweet. I liked the confusing family connections and how everything worked out in the end for everyone. Was a fun read. And like I said, you just never know what's going to pop out of MacAlister's mind.
Originally posted at
Stag Party is told by Dane aka Cernunnos which was pretty entertaining and so threw me for a loop when he' suddenly start talking about his penis. Made me snicker a few times since I'd forget it was a guy talking more often than not. Dane's a little full of himself but he is a god after all, right? I liked him though. He could be so inappropriate at times but in a lighthearted just have to shake your head at him kind of way. Megan was great too. I liked that she didn't quite go along with everything Dane wanted and gave him a run for his money more than once. She's completely fascinated by the antlers that pop up when Dane's ticked which was kinda cute. The two were just fun together.
My favorite part were Dane's hellhounds. Each time he comes back they're recreated too and this time his mighty hell hounds are tiny toy poodles with red bows in their hair. OMG loved it!
Favorite quote:
“I have sieged many a castle in my day, m'lady, but my attack on your keep will be the sweetest of all."
She giggled as I kissed every inch of her face. "Oh, we're doing medieval now? Okay, I can do that. I've been to a Renaissance Faire. Avast ye varlet! No quarter!"
"That was piratical, dearling, but we'll go with it if you like. Lower your gangplanks and prepare to be boarded!"
Norse Truly
Really liked Norse Truly too. Alrik and his men have been stuck on their ship for centuries and can't step foot on land without someone breaking their curse. Enter Brynna, a human that doesn't know she's really a valkryie, who can help the men and get them to Valhalla. Maybe? There were some hysterical moments when she's trying to explain foreplay to the 1300 year old viking warrior/ghost. So funny. The two were pretty sweet together. A little silly but sweet. I liked the confusing family connections and how everything worked out in the end for everyone. Was a fun read. And like I said, you just never know what's going to pop out of MacAlister's mind.
“I love you, Brynna. I will love you until the day I breathe my last. You belong to me, and I will make you the happiest of women. Now take off all your clothes, and pretend you are a Celtic princess about to be marauded by an incredibly virile Viking studmuffin." -Alrik
Originally posted at
May 29, 2011
Ain't Myth-Behaving fantastic title...lukewarm stories. Truth be told, if they were split into two books and fleshed out more I think I would have enjoyed them more. As it is now, two novellas in one book, they just seemed like they were rushing to get to the point.
That said, these stories both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
Stag Party, the first of the set, was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a deadline. He's been summoned by his druid worshippers to complete a marriage ritual. However, his usual bride for the past several thousand years to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Quite conveniently there just happens to be an American travel journalist who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied. I was irritated with just how arrogant the male lead was, but I suppose if you are a god you tend to get the ego that goes along with it...I did enjoy the more memorable humorous imagery, however, the toy poodle hell hounds with little red bows still have me giggling!
Norse Truly, is second story. This one is about a woman of Swedish/Valkyrie descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost after a car wreck. Not surprisingly, she is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties so after she saves him and finds out only she can save him he is first met with the challenge of convincing her of the reality of it all. It's lust at first sight that leads to all the complications, however. I preferred this story because the funnier of the two, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud when I came to the points where the our heroine, tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking ghost!
That said, these stories both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
Stag Party, the first of the set, was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a deadline. He's been summoned by his druid worshippers to complete a marriage ritual. However, his usual bride for the past several thousand years to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Quite conveniently there just happens to be an American travel journalist who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied. I was irritated with just how arrogant the male lead was, but I suppose if you are a god you tend to get the ego that goes along with it...I did enjoy the more memorable humorous imagery, however, the toy poodle hell hounds with little red bows still have me giggling!
Norse Truly, is second story. This one is about a woman of Swedish/Valkyrie descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost after a car wreck. Not surprisingly, she is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties so after she saves him and finds out only she can save him he is first met with the challenge of convincing her of the reality of it all. It's lust at first sight that leads to all the complications, however. I preferred this story because the funnier of the two, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud when I came to the points where the our heroine, tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking ghost!
July 4, 2016
This is a book of two short Novels and I have to say and I feel terrible for it since I'm a Katie fanatic, but I honestly hated these to stories. In fact I tried to read both abut never finished Either, Its not that they were written bad because nothing Katie write is ever written bad, I just couldn't get into them. And after of number of months of pick it up and putting back down I just finally gave up and said I'm sorry I just don't like you. This was second Attempt to read short stories by Katie and again I just couldn't like them.
October 3, 2008
Two novellas by Katie MacAlister. I would say these weren't my favorite Katie MacAlister stories by a long shot - but I enjoyed them none the less.
October 27, 2015
A fun bit of mindless reading.
November 5, 2017
This is one of those books that if you're in the right frame of mind for (as I luckily was!) then you'll enjoy - let's face it you can tell by the cover it's not going to be a serious read!
There's two different stories which are....
STAG PARTY
Dane, the Irish fertility god Cernunnos, needs a bride & fast. If he doesn't marry by Beltane, just a week away, he'll become mortal - and die. He knows he's found his soul mate when he meets American travel writer Megan St. Clair,....but while Dane is a sexy Irish god/hunk can he convince Megan to marry him in just one week?....well, what do you think?
Don't expect this tale to be believable, just enjoy it! With Hellhounds who look like toy poodles (complete with bows) you know you're in for a giggle.
NORSE TRULY
Alrik Sigurdsson is cursed to sail his Viking ship forever. When he rescues the lovely American Brynna Lund when her car skids into the ocean, he finds that she is the only woman who can break the curse. Is it any wonder that he's determined to keep her...forever?
I preferred this story to the first.....but then I am partial to the big blond Viking type! (& there's 5 of them- yippee!) Again, forget reality & just go with the flow & have fun myth behaving - I did!
There's two different stories which are....
STAG PARTY
Dane, the Irish fertility god Cernunnos, needs a bride & fast. If he doesn't marry by Beltane, just a week away, he'll become mortal - and die. He knows he's found his soul mate when he meets American travel writer Megan St. Clair,....but while Dane is a sexy Irish god/hunk can he convince Megan to marry him in just one week?....well, what do you think?
Don't expect this tale to be believable, just enjoy it! With Hellhounds who look like toy poodles (complete with bows) you know you're in for a giggle.
NORSE TRULY
Alrik Sigurdsson is cursed to sail his Viking ship forever. When he rescues the lovely American Brynna Lund when her car skids into the ocean, he finds that she is the only woman who can break the curse. Is it any wonder that he's determined to keep her...forever?
I preferred this story to the first.....but then I am partial to the big blond Viking type! (& there's 5 of them- yippee!) Again, forget reality & just go with the flow & have fun myth behaving - I did!
September 29, 2020
This was so much fun. I'm usually not one to read short stories, but this has me wondering if I should dip my toes into another short stories book. I got this copy of Ain't Myth-Behaving and some more Katie MacAlister books from my mom a few years back, and tried to read one of them back then. But, I just couldn't get into Katie's writing. I was just a bit to young.
Sorry if this review doesn't make any sense, I'm writing this right before I go to sleep.
Anyways, I would recommend this to people who love short stories, romance, and Norse Mythology.
Sorry if this review doesn't make any sense, I'm writing this right before I go to sleep.
Anyways, I would recommend this to people who love short stories, romance, and Norse Mythology.
June 28, 2024
-2 stars. contains two novellas, "stag party", and "norse truly".
usually i enjoy this authors silly sense of humor but with "stag party" it was over the top ridiculous and annoyed me. i didn't care for the male character, and the story is written from his point of view. he's got 6 days to convince a woman to marry him and he is pushy. and the woman comes off as dumb and ditzy. 194 pages. i'd say barely 2 stars for this one.
"norse truly" was a bit better. 158 pages. 3 stars for this one. but the instalove in both stories, i don't care for that.
usually i enjoy this authors silly sense of humor but with "stag party" it was over the top ridiculous and annoyed me. i didn't care for the male character, and the story is written from his point of view. he's got 6 days to convince a woman to marry him and he is pushy. and the woman comes off as dumb and ditzy. 194 pages. i'd say barely 2 stars for this one.
"norse truly" was a bit better. 158 pages. 3 stars for this one. but the instalove in both stories, i don't care for that.
April 8, 2020
Yeah I'm not sure why I read this. Someone recommended it to me and it was just bearable enough to finish.
There was so much potential for interesting characters and story within these mythical themed romances. Instead it always seemed to turn flat and predictable. Too many instances of a man pretending to respect the woman's opinion and boundaries, before throwing it all out the window. Oh how romantic....
There was so much potential for interesting characters and story within these mythical themed romances. Instead it always seemed to turn flat and predictable. Too many instances of a man pretending to respect the woman's opinion and boundaries, before throwing it all out the window. Oh how romantic....
October 9, 2017
Humor and romance. Two short romances in one book that also are witty. Who could ask for a better fast read. If you want something for the beach or airplane, this is your book. Just a warning though you'll be laughing at loud and totally crushing on the two leading men.
June 2, 2023
Two mythology related romance stories. Rating collections of stories is always difficult. In this case, I enjoyed the second story more than the first. Overall, it was a fun read, but some of the tropes didn't age well since the initial 2008 release.
March 27, 2024
Two short-ish stories, not linked to each other or, as far as I can tell, any of her other series or books. I very much enjoyed these. Let's be clear: these stories are beach reads, but they're beach reads without major plot or grammatical flaws. Hurrah!
July 29, 2019
2 books in 1.
Stag Party 3 stars
Norse Truly 3 stars
Stag Party 3 stars
Norse Truly 3 stars
Read
February 12, 20214 stars I really liked both stories and laughed reading them.
May 9, 2021
I wanted something light-hearted and quick. These two short stories fit the bill. This is the saucy seaside postcard version of Celtic and Norse mythology. Fun frivolity.
September 8, 2021
Loved exploring some Gods...
February 26, 2023
Funny light romp. Sunny day read. Snow day read.
August 29, 2023
Registered on Bookcrossing -
December 22, 2023
Both stories are quick, easy reads full of quirky characters and funny situations.
August 22, 2021
Review is up on my blog!
January 10, 2016
This books is filled with two short stories, so I will do the summary and review of each.
Stag Party
This starts out with Dane Hearne who is the god Cernannos, after his fiancee leaves him in the dust. Every year he is required to get married to atleast someone, even if its the same one. However this year, if he doesn't marry than he will no longer be a god and having lived so long he will die. Then he stumbles across Megan St Clair, who is there for a job and to see the site with her crew. After meeting her Dane knows that he wants her for his wife however there is one milestone that he has to get past, is convincing her to marry him and become his goddess. After Megan meets handsome and irresistable Dane, she knows there is a lot more to him than he appears to be. There is also a undeniable attraction between them that neither of them can deny.
I have always loved reading stories involving the Greek myths of their gods, its always been fascinating to me. So when I started reading this story, I just fell in love. Although I wish that it could have been spread out a bit further and not so short, but that's what happens with short stories most times. I loved the plot and the characters, who were witty and fun. But it seemed to me that things just went by too fast, especially how fast she accepted the truth and how fast they fell in love with each other. It kinda seemed off to me, but for the most part I really enjoyed this story, it had a sassy edge to it, and plus made me laugh frequently.
Norse Truly
In the second story in this book, it begins with Brynna Lund driving down the coast, when she ends up accidently crashing her car in the ocean, and is then picked up by some very old, but cursed vikings, who think she is the key to their salvation, and the breaking of the curse. At first when she meets Alrik, she thinks she is dreaming, but after spending time with him and his crew, she realizes that she is awake and it is reality, even though there is a part of her that is doubtful. Through a series of adventures she comes to realize how much Alrik means to her, and that she never wants to let him go, even though she knows he deserves it.
Now this story was a bit different from the first one, which involves cursed Vikings, who stir up things for Brynna. If I had to pick out of these two I would pick this one, it was my type of love story. Even though it was a bit too short for me, but after certain events happen to Brynna, which leads to her falling in love with Alrik. I loved both of these characters, Brynna has been the only one in her family withheld from certain information, and she takes it all in pretty well considering the circumstances she is faced with. Alrik, having been cursed on the sea on his Viking ship for hundreds of years, years for Valhalla, and to be released from this terrible curse. When he meets Brynna, however things change for both of them, when they realize how much they care for one another. Of course I loved this story, and it had a emotional ring to it, and made me cry at the end, but in this case were definitely happy tears, and not cheesy (at least not for me)
Stag Party
This starts out with Dane Hearne who is the god Cernannos, after his fiancee leaves him in the dust. Every year he is required to get married to atleast someone, even if its the same one. However this year, if he doesn't marry than he will no longer be a god and having lived so long he will die. Then he stumbles across Megan St Clair, who is there for a job and to see the site with her crew. After meeting her Dane knows that he wants her for his wife however there is one milestone that he has to get past, is convincing her to marry him and become his goddess. After Megan meets handsome and irresistable Dane, she knows there is a lot more to him than he appears to be. There is also a undeniable attraction between them that neither of them can deny.
I have always loved reading stories involving the Greek myths of their gods, its always been fascinating to me. So when I started reading this story, I just fell in love. Although I wish that it could have been spread out a bit further and not so short, but that's what happens with short stories most times. I loved the plot and the characters, who were witty and fun. But it seemed to me that things just went by too fast, especially how fast she accepted the truth and how fast they fell in love with each other. It kinda seemed off to me, but for the most part I really enjoyed this story, it had a sassy edge to it, and plus made me laugh frequently.
Norse Truly
In the second story in this book, it begins with Brynna Lund driving down the coast, when she ends up accidently crashing her car in the ocean, and is then picked up by some very old, but cursed vikings, who think she is the key to their salvation, and the breaking of the curse. At first when she meets Alrik, she thinks she is dreaming, but after spending time with him and his crew, she realizes that she is awake and it is reality, even though there is a part of her that is doubtful. Through a series of adventures she comes to realize how much Alrik means to her, and that she never wants to let him go, even though she knows he deserves it.
Now this story was a bit different from the first one, which involves cursed Vikings, who stir up things for Brynna. If I had to pick out of these two I would pick this one, it was my type of love story. Even though it was a bit too short for me, but after certain events happen to Brynna, which leads to her falling in love with Alrik. I loved both of these characters, Brynna has been the only one in her family withheld from certain information, and she takes it all in pretty well considering the circumstances she is faced with. Alrik, having been cursed on the sea on his Viking ship for hundreds of years, years for Valhalla, and to be released from this terrible curse. When he meets Brynna, however things change for both of them, when they realize how much they care for one another. Of course I loved this story, and it had a emotional ring to it, and made me cry at the end, but in this case were definitely happy tears, and not cheesy (at least not for me)
May 29, 2011
Ain't Myth-Behaving fantastic title...lukewarm stories. Truth be told, if they were split into two books and fleshed out more I think I would have enjoyed them more. As it is now, two novellas in one book, they just seemed like they were rushing to get to the point.
That said, these stories both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
Stag Party, the first of the set, was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a deadline. He's been summoned by his druid worshippers to complete a marriage ritual. However, his usual bride for the past several thousand years to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Quite conveniently there just happens to be an American travel journalist who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied. I was irritated with just how arrogant the male lead was, but I suppose if you are a god you tend to get the ego that goes along with it...I did enjoy the more memorable humorous imagery, however, the toy poodle hell hounds with little red bows still have me giggling!
Norse Truly, is second story. This one is about a woman of Swedish/Valkyrie descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost after a car wreck. Not surprisingly, she is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties so after she saves him and finds out only she can save him he is first met with the challenge of convincing her of the reality of it all. It's lust at first sight that leads to all the complications, however. I preferred this story because the funnier of the two, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud when I came to the points where the our heroine, tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking ghost!
That said, these stories both involve men of mythology interacting with modern day women, in modern times.
Stag Party, the first of the set, was a mildly fun romp involving a god on a deadline. He's been summoned by his druid worshippers to complete a marriage ritual. However, his usual bride for the past several thousand years to be wife to a salsa dancer. In order to remain a god, he must find a new bride and fulfill the ritual requirements in less than a week. Quite conveniently there just happens to be an American travel journalist who he is incredibly attracted to. Told from the perspective of the god, most of the laughs come from his personal belief he is enlightened from all the hours of Oprah and Deepak he's studied. I was irritated with just how arrogant the male lead was, but I suppose if you are a god you tend to get the ego that goes along with it...I did enjoy the more memorable humorous imagery, however, the toy poodle hell hounds with little red bows still have me giggling!
Norse Truly, is second story. This one is about a woman of Swedish/Valkyrie descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost after a car wreck. Not surprisingly, she is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties so after she saves him and finds out only she can save him he is first met with the challenge of convincing her of the reality of it all. It's lust at first sight that leads to all the complications, however. I preferred this story because the funnier of the two, especially if you know about Wagner's "The Ring Cycle". I truly laughed out loud when I came to the points where the our heroine, tried to explain "foreplay" to a thousand year old viking ghost!
July 14, 2010
Ha Ha! I love Katie MacAlister! This was a fun, somewhat quick, read for me. 2 stories in one book, both about mythology (always a plus in my book)but histarically funny! First story, Cernunnos is an Irish god, god of the Hunt, who dies every winter and is reborn every spring. In order to keep his position as Cernunnos, he must marry every Beltane. So he marries the same woman every year only this year she has taken off during his death and shacked up with Dionysus, god of wine, who has taken it upon himself to become a salsa dancer. She gets pregnant and marries Dion and Cernunnos is somewhat screwed. Now enters an American tourist, Megan whom Cernunnos falls head over heels in love with on first sight. Now he only has a week to court her, woo her, and shag her and then marry her or he ceases to be. Cernunnos has a great sense of humor and is just a bit full of himself too, but what guy wouldn't when you have a smokin body, dark hair, and ooooohhhhh green eyes!
Story 2 takes place in Sweden and the Nordic gods. Brynna is visiting family in Sweden when she drives over a cliff and lands in the water, only to be rescued by the legendary ghosts that are said to sail the waters of the North Sea forever until the curse that has been laid upon them is lifted. Of course she doesn't believe all this at first until the 1000year old Vikings prove to her they are ghosts. She vows to help them return to Valhalla but soon finds out that her great grandmother is many centuries old grandmother to her and is the person who has cursed the Vikings due to a love triangle. Brynna is suckered into marrying Alrik, head Viking, but finds herself falling in love as they run around trying to fulfill great grandma's wishes in order to lift the curse. A cute love story, and of course more sexy men!
Story 2 takes place in Sweden and the Nordic gods. Brynna is visiting family in Sweden when she drives over a cliff and lands in the water, only to be rescued by the legendary ghosts that are said to sail the waters of the North Sea forever until the curse that has been laid upon them is lifted. Of course she doesn't believe all this at first until the 1000year old Vikings prove to her they are ghosts. She vows to help them return to Valhalla but soon finds out that her great grandmother is many centuries old grandmother to her and is the person who has cursed the Vikings due to a love triangle. Brynna is suckered into marrying Alrik, head Viking, but finds herself falling in love as they run around trying to fulfill great grandma's wishes in order to lift the curse. A cute love story, and of course more sexy men!
June 26, 2008
First of all, it is two short novels. The first novel is about Cerunnos, and I think it is in the same universe as her Aisling Grey novels since she references him being a member of her equivalent of a heavenly court (I don't recollect the name off the top of my head). The story is told from the hero's point of view, and he's arrogant and stuck on himself--not too surprising for a former mortal who has been a god for 1500 years. He has to get married in a week. There is a mystery to the story, which makes it more interesting, and the heroine plays hard to get and gets him to change somewhat, but the story's humor seemed to be a bit forced and was not up to MacAlister's usual standards.
The second story is about a woman of Swedish descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost and is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties. She finds out that she is the only one who can save him. It's lust at first sight that leads to complications. The story is better than the first, and it is written from the female point of view. The humor is up to MacAlister's usual standards and Alrik's ignorance of modern sex play is pretty funny.
In both cases, the uses of mythological references are interesting, and enjoyable.
Not her best book, but it is better than a few of the earlier Dark Ones books, and I suspect that it was written earlier than the Aisling Grey series, and she is just now selling it because of her increased popularity. Still worth a read if you like her books. If you get stuck on the first story, read the second one as it is better. (2 stars for first, 4 for second, which renders a 3 overall).
The sex scenes are pretty good, but not her best.
The second story is about a woman of Swedish descent who is saved by a Viking Ghost and is horribly ignorant about her ancestry and family ties. She finds out that she is the only one who can save him. It's lust at first sight that leads to complications. The story is better than the first, and it is written from the female point of view. The humor is up to MacAlister's usual standards and Alrik's ignorance of modern sex play is pretty funny.
In both cases, the uses of mythological references are interesting, and enjoyable.
Not her best book, but it is better than a few of the earlier Dark Ones books, and I suspect that it was written earlier than the Aisling Grey series, and she is just now selling it because of her increased popularity. Still worth a read if you like her books. If you get stuck on the first story, read the second one as it is better. (2 stars for first, 4 for second, which renders a 3 overall).
The sex scenes are pretty good, but not her best.
March 1, 2010
What I learned: don't keep a hungry fury waiting.
Ok, seriously there were 2 stories here. First "Stag Party" is about an Irish minor god who has to take a wife every Beltane festival to keep his immortal status. He "dies" every winter solstice to rule the underworld for 6 months and this time when he returned his goddess had run off and married a rehabbed ex-god that had become a salsa dancer. Now with a week left he must find a new goddess to spend eternity with. This story was cute. There's a lot that was funny, from his hellhound poodles with little red bows in their hair to the antlers he sprouts in anger.
Overall it was a fun little tale with good secondary characters and a heroine, Megan, that was likable and believable. She didn't jump right into his arms, but she did resist in a normal way. She also stood up for herself and jumped into the fray to protect what was hers. And she really liked his antlers.
The second story, "Norse Truly" was less successful. Brynna Lund, while visiting her family in Sweden finds out that her family is not what it seems and that she is a Valkyrie in training. She also discovers a Viking longboat cursed along the Scandinavian shores that only she can save. Alrik the incredibly sexy viking does help sway her decision.
The reason this story didn't work for me was our heroine, Bryanna. It is mentioned over and over how very little she knows about her culture and mythology, yet she continues to make decisions and operate as if she has all the facts. Which leads to much unnecessary heart arch. There were some funny moments, such as Alrik learning about foreplay, but overall it was just kind of meh.
Ok, seriously there were 2 stories here. First "Stag Party" is about an Irish minor god who has to take a wife every Beltane festival to keep his immortal status. He "dies" every winter solstice to rule the underworld for 6 months and this time when he returned his goddess had run off and married a rehabbed ex-god that had become a salsa dancer. Now with a week left he must find a new goddess to spend eternity with. This story was cute. There's a lot that was funny, from his hellhound poodles with little red bows in their hair to the antlers he sprouts in anger.
Overall it was a fun little tale with good secondary characters and a heroine, Megan, that was likable and believable. She didn't jump right into his arms, but she did resist in a normal way. She also stood up for herself and jumped into the fray to protect what was hers. And she really liked his antlers.
The second story, "Norse Truly" was less successful. Brynna Lund, while visiting her family in Sweden finds out that her family is not what it seems and that she is a Valkyrie in training. She also discovers a Viking longboat cursed along the Scandinavian shores that only she can save. Alrik the incredibly sexy viking does help sway her decision.
The reason this story didn't work for me was our heroine, Bryanna. It is mentioned over and over how very little she knows about her culture and mythology, yet she continues to make decisions and operate as if she has all the facts. Which leads to much unnecessary heart arch. There were some funny moments, such as Alrik learning about foreplay, but overall it was just kind of meh.
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