Mini Me: "Shutdown" by Laurell K. Hamilton

This story is for all my readers who have been impacted by the current political SNAFU – and for anyone else who might need to enjoy a free story in these difficult times.

“Shutdown”, will be available free for the duration of the government shutdown. Once the government is back in business then the short story will no longer be available on line, at least not until my publisher and I figure out what we might want to do with it. But for right now, while we’re all wondering how it got to this point, here’s a brand new Anita Blake short story, featuring our favorite bad boy werewolf, yep, I mean Richard Zeeman. Hey, I’ve been telling you, he’s been working his therapy: read on to see the results that hard work and being brave enough to own your whole self can get you. - From goodreads
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"Shutdown" was a quick little freebie offered by Laurell K. Hamilton and I think a great look into the personal real-life consequences that sometimes result from staying true to who you are. Anita, Richard, Micah - they have the most screen time in this story but ultimately it's about what we want for ourselves to be happy and the balancing act that can require. Hamilton returns to the emotional roots of her series with this short and I think if nothing else it shows why so many of her fans keep coming back: at the heart of every one of us is a soul who just wants to be happy, someone who wants to accept themselves and be accepted by other people and the world doesn't make us any promises. There's no guarantee that will happen.

Mini Me: Kamikaze by Moira Rogers

Zoe Bennett is an inexperienced werewolf in the grip of her mating cycle. With no pack and no mate, Zoe must brave the supernatural crowds of Last Call, the bar where your drink order tells everyone what you need. Kamikaze: Werewolf in heat, looking for a temporary mate.

The chase is on, and security specialist Connor O'Malley intends to win, if only because the sweet young woman at the bar looks unprepared for what the night might bring, in and out of the bedroom. Little does he know that, when he catches her, he may not be satisfied being just a temporary mate
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At 36 pages Kamikaze is more like the first chapter or two of a novel then an actual story in and of itself. As a freebie from Amazon it's not really a big deal, but I don't think I was quite ready for the abrupt ending. The whole thing revolves around Zoe and her need for a partner to give her some 'relief' from her mating cycle. It's pretty typical though I wish there'd been a more suspense or build-up to her choosing Connor. There wasn't any competition even though it's advertised as a 'free for all' and even when they share glances before she picks him, Zoe and Connor don't even seem that aware of each other.

Still it's a spicy short that sets up the Last Call series and from the little hints of larger story I think future books could be pretty good.

Mini Me: Beauty Touched the Beast by Skye Warren

Erin cleans Mr. Morris’ house twice a week, soaking up every moment with the reclusive ex-soldier. Blake Morris knows that he’s scarred both inside and out and no good for someone like her. Then Erin walks in on Blake touching himself, moaning her name, and all bets are off.
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A great little quick read from Amazon (for free!) I would consider this an intro to the series itself. It introduces the two main characters, Erin and Blake, and does enough backstory building to make me believe that when they fall into bed together it's more than just hormones.  

If you're looking for a way in to a new contemporary series with spicy bedroom scenes and (hopefully) emotion too then I think Beauty Touched the Beast is a good place to start. 

Mini Me: Sparks Fly by Katie MacAlister

Hell hath no fury like a ticked-off dragon…

Ysolde de Bouchier has a lot on her plate, which isn’t unusual considering her Light Dragon mate Baltic is still at odds with just about everyone, starting with his former guard Thala and her outlaw posse, right down to his dragon god father. Ysolde herself fairs no better, since the First Dragon has her in his sights as well, demanding that she right past wrongs…and her time to do that is quickly running out.

With the help of some familiar friends, Ysolde sets into motion an elaborate plan that will have repercussions throughout the mortal and immortal worlds. But when a member of her family is held hostage, no one is safe from the fire of her rage.

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Not bad, as fun quick reads go. I like MacAlister because her heroines tend to fall into the 'relate-able & spunky' realm which makes the romance that much more enjoyable for me. Ysolde's trials trying to get Baltic back into the Wyr while also convincing him that she doesn't have perversions are both and funny, as she doesn't take any crap. The whole scene in the paranormal sex shop where she tries to replace a friend's toys? Fantastic, lol, not gonna lie. Plus it's always great to catch up with Ainsling and May - it actually makes me want to go back and read those books! All in all no complaints, though it may perhaps do better as a library read because it's not off the charts amazing.