A Five-star read that packs a punch in just a few pages. This surprised me with how quickly I was hooked and finished, I was sucked in and will be picking this up again, its quick but powerful. I must give the author a special hand, as they always bring something special to their writing, the research that must go in, as I always feel like I have enjoyed their stories, but I also feel like I have had a breath of fresh air, there is always something in the stories that make me think. Do not miss this story, even if M/M fiction isn’t your cup of tea, don’t miss this amazing story and author.
I seriously could not stop turning these pages! This story was far too short, and I could have kept reading for another 500 pages, I’m sure. That being said, even though this is a shorter read, it is not lacking in any area! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am certainly not disappointed. In this paranormal romance, we have Acheron, a vulture shape-shifter, and Errapel, a hare shape-shifter. These two have been put together by fate, but they are not supposed to be. I was totally enthralled by this author’s writing and am so glad I jumped into this book. 5 stars!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-11-18 16:41:052021-11-19 07:29:31Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Chrissy Spulak
This was a pretty damn cute story. It’s a really good read and despite the short length it still made me emotional! I really enjoyed Acheron’s (also I’m OBSESSED with this name- and Kharon) character and reading from his perspective. My favorite character might have been the battiest of them all.This was my first read from this author and I’m pumped to read more. (: I’m a sucker for shifter romance and this was definitely satisfying! I’m really hoping the author turns this into a series- I definitely think there’s support and interest in it. Onto the next yall 💖
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a great story, filled with so much imagery. It feels so much longer than just 57 pages, because it is so well written. The author has a way with words, allowing the readers to envision the story as it unfolds. The characters have names I cannot pronounce, and are creatures I have never heard of, but I am able to see them perfectly as I read the story. The rituals were unlike anything I’ve ever read about, but also made perfect sense… I longed for the book to be longer so I could see what would happen next… I hoped to get more information about Azrael and Carissa… but at the same time, it was wrapped up perfectly for Acheron and Errapel. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t normally read paranormal books. But with the disclaimer, mature audiences only. There are some heated graphic scenes.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie 4 Stars
I have read all of this author’s books. Her writing keeps getting better with each no el that she writes. She has a vivid imagination and her stories are unique. This is a short novella but I can see it becoming an interesting series. Most people when they hear “shifter romance “ they automatically think about wolves. I loved that this book’s main character was a vulture shifter. Vultures are natural scavengers and the fact that this character worked with the dead fit perfectly. This book is completely original and unique in its concept. I loved it!
Honestly, I have never read a MM romance book because I was afraid I wouldn’t like it. Oh man was I wrong! This author was able to pack so much detail, emotions, and a unique world in only 57 pages! I’m still stunned on how amazing this book was. I could feel every emotion the author was portraying so easily. When the two main characters, Acheron and Errapel, meet, the reader can actually feel their mate bond. The two connected so smoothly. The only thing I would change is to have more pages to read! I loved this book. Definitely pick this book up!
Short and unique paranormal romance This was a well written M/M paranormal romance. There is not much fluff as the author doesn’t drag the story out with unnecessary descriptions. It is a very unique storytelling style which I actually enjoyed. The characters were easily visualised and the storyline contained strong messages about discrimination and acceptance. I will definitely have to check out more of her work.
This book was entertaining, cute, fantastical, and charming. I enjoyed it! I have read a lot of paranormal romance books and this is one I would definitely read again. I loved the animals that the author chose for the shape shifting, I had not read any books with these animals before! It was a pleasant surprise. Because it was on the shorter side I did not expect to get so attached to the characters as much as I did. I found myself wanting to know more! I look forward to reading their other works.
This book was so unbelievably good. The author has another hit that I hope will become a series. I have not read anything like it before, the characters are so unique and unforgettable. As a book with Paranormal characters, I can’t say I have read about a vulture shifter before. It is obvious that they are passionate, too. They have such big hearts. The characters, the secondary as well as the primary, are what really make it a phenomenal story.
This book pulled me in immediately and I want to know so much more about them, past, present and future. This is a MM Paranormal Romance that is definitely worth picking up. I beg the author to give us more!
This was a very quick easy read that had me captivated from the very beginning. This was a new trope for me with Male and Male romance. This story became a journey and acceptance of death to me and it played out beautifully. The romance in this story is intoxicating and I wish it was longer. What would you leave behind in death? Story of love, and acceptance. It was very refreshing to read of a shifter plot and romance. The world that this author has created has you deep diving deeper and deeper you read. I hope there are stories created for each character individually because this story has me attached and ready to explore their world. You can’t go wrong with this read it’s quick and inviting. Five stars with hopes of more to come.
This was a really interesting book. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I picked this one up, but for a such a short book it didn’t lack in content. I wasn’t expecting a story where the main character helped people pass peacefully into death. It was very interesting and not something I’ve read before so that makes it unique. While the content was lacking for a 57 page book, I still felt like things moved fast and I would have really enjoyed more of a backstory and some world building. Overall though with the amount of pages and how quick of a story this was, the quality and content wasn’t bad at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next! Or at least hopefully there will be more!
This book is a real page turner. I can’t wait to read the next books, I’m invested now. I felt a connection with the characters in the book and it’s a book I would reread in the future. It is a mountain lion shapeshifter book based in a small town in the mountains.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Overtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Overton2021-11-14 21:45:032021-11-15 07:14:53The Mating Call by Brooke May – Review By Bethany Overton
This book was well written and had a decent plot but I had a hard time getting into it! Not the books fault, just me. The author has an incredible imagination and made for a well thought out story. I enjoyed how descriptive the book was without being boring and the idea was intriguing. I would definitely try more books from the author. While this book wasn’t something I could lose myself in the boom is good and I recommend giving it a shot if you like fantasy romance novels.
this is a great MM Romance story and it takes you on a quick and fast ride through denying true love and honoring someone’s death.
the story I feel lacked some “meat and bones” as it was so fast I was left wondering why this character was so intent about refusing his natural mate and what in his life and community and society had shaped him in such a way. the book touches on it but not enough.
however their natural connection finally is explored in the end and though it was quick I fell in love with the characters quickly and was intrigued with the death rituals of this society.
This book was a good one. I have read a few books by this author and I am glad I picked this one up. The main characters were awesome. This was a paranormal read and so I was excited to dive in. I loved the main characters and the female MC’s were fantastic. They were super strong and all around relatable and really made this book enjoyable! I am looking forward to reading more of this series in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2021-11-11 23:14:142021-11-12 05:53:34The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Anastasia Dodson
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish. This book included strong female characters, shape shifting, drama, and great character development. When I first saw this cover and read the synopsis I knew right away that I had to pick up this shape shifting adventure. While all of the characters where fantastic I really loved the drama and intensity that Cheyenne brought to this story and when the author brought Lane in the intensity between the two increased ten fold. While there is intensity, and drama between the two characters there is also romance, and such terrific character development that they really felt like a real life couple. But will Lane and Cheyenne get their happy ending? Will Cheyenne’s trama keep her heart sealed off? Can Cheyenne learn to trust and love her mate? You’ll have to read this fantastic shape shifter story to find out for yourself.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-11-11 21:33:182021-11-12 05:50:38The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by stephanie nicole
Cheyenne is a strong willed woman who sets out from her hometown to try finding her own way in San Francisco. Cheyenne is searching for her mate, someone she can wholeheartedly be herself with as a mountain lion shifter. One night after a date that didn’t work out, she finally feels the mating call pulling her in the direction of her home town. Who will be waiting for her when she reaches her childhood home? I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job sharing Cheyenne’s thoughts and feelings. And I loved how independent Cheyenne is going off to the big city and giving her dream career a chance. The characters in the book are a big family and love each other very much. I definitely connected with Cheyenne and the multitude of feelings she dealt with after meeting her mate. I can’t wait to learn more about Cheyenne’s siblings and the changes happening around their town in future books of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2021-11-11 20:50:402021-11-12 05:46:56The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Betsy Melano
This is a story of two fated souls drawn to each other. This book pulled me right in from the very first page. Cheyenne feels herself drawn to Lane no matter how hard she tries to fight it. She’s a strong independent woman and is terrified to let her walls down, but Lane is so sweet, hardworking and patient that she feels her resolve crumbling by the minute. I laughed, smiled and swooned at their interactions as they began to grow closer. The attraction between them is undeniable but it’s so much more than that. They’ve both spent a lifetime yearning for and searching for something that they can only find in each other’s arms. The ending was so sweet and perfect that it made me love this book even more. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elenahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElena2021-11-11 19:59:412021-11-12 05:43:26The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May-Review by Elena Tobar
This book is hot and steamy for sure! Cheyenne is a lion mountain shifter who saved up money to leave her little Long Claw town to go and hope to star in a radio station. 10 years later, she finds out a tugging way that her time has come for her mate. She returns home to meet Lane Matthews, a hot and sexy fixer upper Lion Mountain shifter who enters her Long Claw family home. There they welcome friendship, love, and family. Some things from the past show up and they all work together. I truly loved this book and already getting ready for the 2nd book in this series! 🙂
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2021-11-11 17:49:102021-11-11 21:51:41The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Ashley Hasting
I enjoy reading books about shifters. Although they are mostly about werewolves, so I found this book The Mating Call a refreshing change as it is about mountain lion shifters. It was a joy to journey along with Cheyenne and Lane as they discovered each other and fell in love. The author has created a nice world and I look forward to reading the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Rushinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Rushin2021-11-11 14:56:392021-11-11 21:38:53The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Cindy Rushin
As the first book in a bre series by an author I always I always enjoy I knew I had to read this. Especially as it is the first book I have read about mountain lion shifters, which I found to be a nice change from the norm. I was pulled straight into this story and the characters. I wanted to find out more about them as they both had such histories. I thought thr story itself was well written. I engaged with the story and thought it was a well developed book. This is an author that never disappoints and this book is no exception.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-11-11 14:55:112021-11-11 21:38:26The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Kerry Baker
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie was, simply put, amazing. I don’t know how Ms. Valkyrie was able to get so much character development in only 57 pages. Story follows Acheron as he is called to take the storey of dying Carissa where he meats Errapel. Instantly you can feel the energy between Acheron and Errapel and their draw to each other. I felt each emotion, fear, happiness, and love. I hope to see more!
This book brought me back to my teen years, when me and my sister used to download manga to read, I used to love a tittle or a picture and then when I was to read, I would discover it was boys love, and some really graphic hahah she would be trilled and me not so much. Don’t get me wrong I do love the sweet love and tenderness I just don’t like much when it gets graphic. Making a long story short, I chose this book because I loved the cover art, and when I started reading, I discovered that this was a boy’s love story, ok that’s alright, but I must say it’s the first lgbt book that I read, that actually have a good story and a good main character.
If you don’t like graphic descriptions of sexual acts, be a little careful, we do have a sexual act a bit graphic but not over the top.
If I have something to complain about this story is that the names are overly complicated but that it’s not really a complain, just old me rambling about. Our main character is named Acheron and he is a vulture, his kind are responsible for taking care of the people that are near death learn their story and then delivering their last wish and their bodies and soul to set them free, it’s really a big responsibility, and his mate to be is called Errapel, belongs with a group of people that bend a little bit the rules. Acheron must go to Mandara, a city that despise his kind, to take care of a last wish of a dying woman, and her story will bring Acheron closer to himself, doesn’t this make you curious to know more? This is more on the short side, but well worth of our time, it has an interesting mystique and mythology,
I will definitely try to read more of Naomi Valkyrie works, and bonus if she writes more with these characters <3.
This was an enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance featuring mountain lion shifters. The lion shifters each have a fated mate who is the other half of their souls and they find each other when they least expect it. For Cheyenne and Lane it happens when Cheyenne feels the mating call which draws her home to Long Claw. Meanwhile, Lane also feels the call and heads to Long Claw determined to prove himself to his mate. However, Lane finds that Cheyenne has reservations due to her past that may affect their future together. I loved the characters in this story, and felt immersed within the ‘Long Claw Pride’. The small mountain town setting was really brought to life by the descriptive narrative and the storyline flowed well. The chemistry between Cheyenne and Lane came across and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA. I look forward to future books in this new series by Brooke May.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2021-11-11 11:51:452021-11-11 12:34:17The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is a short and thought provoking read with a m/m romance that is very well written. I can see this as a small beginning to a pretty epic story. I would definitely be interested in seeing where Acheron and Errapel go in this story that touches on love and racism. Those pages sure did flip way too fast for my liking.
The Mating Call Long Claw Pride Book 1 By Brooke May ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I wish I could give this story more than 5 stars. I love Paranormal Romances. This is a full length novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Cheyenne has graduated high school. She was ready to see the world, find her own path. Even though she thought she could ignore the mating call. After 10 years on her own, The Mating Call brings her back home. Lane has lived on his own since he became an adult as well. While ranching keeps him busy and traveling, he soon gets his Call as well. Will Cheyenne and Lane follow the Call? Can they resist the mating? Keep reading! No Spoilers will be found here. Brooke May has leveled up to my Paranormal Romance writers. Her story added a new Shifter to my list. The Lion Pride!!! The story starts out strong and you instantly become drawn in. This is a rollercoaster of emotions and the characters are just right for each other. As they work their way through The Mating Call. You will not be disappointed with this series. I am looking forward to reading book 2. Well Done Brooke May! Well Done!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2021-11-11 09:46:132021-11-11 11:27:21The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride book 1)by Brooke May – Review by Cindy Mayberry
The Mating Call by Brooke May is a paranormal romance of mountain lion shifters.
Cheyenne Mackenzie was out to make her own destiny and not let the mating call rule her life. The mating call can come at any point in a mountain lion shifter’s life and when it does happen it is like two magnets pulling towards each other. Cheyenne decides when she hits 18 she is moving away and she ends up in San Francisco working at a radio station. After 10 years of not taking a vacation, Cheyenne is forced to take a vacation and it couldn’t be better timing because she was hit with her mating call.
Lane, who was forced to leave home at 15 becomes a drifter working as a ranch hand who is used to being alone with just his horse. He feels the pull to head west and without knowing where he was going to end up he just keeps driving. Ending up in Long Claw, Lane gets hit with his making call.
I love the relationship that is forming between Cheyenne and Lane. It is perfectly imperfect. This is a series I definitely look forward to seeing more books added to. Brooke May did a fantastic job of pulling the reader in and keeping them hooked. I can’t wait to read more from May.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Lapehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Lape2021-11-11 08:39:042021-11-11 08:48:34The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by ASHLEY LAPE
The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Krista Vaughan
The mating call pulls you to your mate and makes everything so easy. What if you didn’t want that? How do you fight it? Cheyenne moved away. Even her stubbornness couldn’t deny the pull back to the Long Claw Pride to meet her mate. Lane felt the pull, too. He is ALL IN. He will do anything to show her that he is with her for life. Who doesn’t want a mate that is unwavering in their devotion and love for you? They have many obstacles but the forces pulling them together seen to have gotten it right. At least in my opinion! Such a great romance! Highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kricket4078https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKricket40782021-11-10 22:22:542021-11-11 08:43:14The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Krista Vaughan
As the start for the first book it odes start off a little rocky, and feels like you were thrown in the middle of something, but it does explain during the even what caused this to happen briefly. Could’ve used a little more background to the story, but being the first book of a series it was to be expected. Im hoping for more in the future! Dalhia is a good strong character. She battles adversary when it’s thrown her way with a little oops here and there. The murder mystery/fantasy is a good combination that we don’t see enough of. I hope it continues onto the other books this way, or if it will swing one way or another. The writing starts off a little clunky and not as smooth, but it does get better later in the book! I enjoyed reading it and cant wait to read the other books in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2021-11-10 17:55:012021-11-11 08:22:05Nite Fire Flash Point by C.L. Schneider – Review by Crystal Jimmo
Cheyenne and Lane I really like both do these characters. I enjoyed how we got to read from both of their POV. I really enjoyed reading this Paranormal romance I really enjoyed the shape shifters as lions, I liked how they have soul bonds.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2021-11-10 12:27:382021-11-11 07:57:51The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Piper Foster
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