This is my slightly eco-terrorist druid character from a Strixhaven campaign and her animal friends and wildfire spirit. The character's name is Eris Emryck, and she is a dhampir with 2 loving vampire dads. She got lost in an enchanted forest for a few years as a young kid and was raised by some of the talking animals until her parents found her, and she developed a deep bond with nature. They sent her off to school because they thought she should learn to socialize with humans her age, as she's become...a touch feral. Her friends are a very anxious fox named Roxanne, a spacey crow named Ebony, and an evil squirrel with plans for world domination named Albert.
Year four of my annual salute to a movie TV show and song, while not making the list it did make a significant impact for the year onĀ another level.
And this list kicks off with a personal connection to what someone i know all to well actually does for a living.
Prescott Arizona is located right on the edge of a vast forest. The area is susceptible to wildfires like nobody business.
The defense of the town comes from an outside city limits fire crew known as The Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Enter young Brendan McDonough a burnout on his last bridges, who arrives on the scene with only a determination to prove himself and redeem his young daughter.
As that crew of 20 would go through the fire seasons gaining experience and popularity among the veteran hotshot teams who always go on the front lines of defense.Ā
But, their bravery came at a valiant sacrifice when all but McDonough were killed in Yarnell Hills when the flames would surround them while trying to escape.
A truer than true story that is magnificently brought to life via great turns from Miles Teller, Josh Brolin and Jennifer Connely
This hit me personally as my brother in Redding actually goes into the same storm that Josh Brolin describes in vivid detail. While no fire bears were near him, his daily life makes me ponder how many other heroes there are that defend places and small towns that need it the most.
Those Hotshots gave their lives for a purpose and that truly makes them heroes.
Sum 22: The firefighters of the wild get their story told first hand via Only The Braveās excellent style and heroic overtones.
WU Review: Fire Bear-Alpha Hunter by Jess PlanosĀ ā10
The important thing to know is that itās not about bears.
I mean, it is.
But...weāll get to it.
Paranormal romances have become a hallmark of the e-book market over the past few years, with shapeshifters increasing in popularity every month. Each category comes with its own shorthands for power/passion/soulmates, which writers can use or break away from in world building. It allows books to play with what it means to be attracted to someone beyond rationality and politenessājump back into what it means to be an animal (with enthusiastic consent).
All of these shifter styles allow readers to zero-in on what they like, knowing that pumas come with different rules than lions, tigers, and bears (oh my). There is literally something for everyone.
Are you an outsider marrying into a loud, close-knit family? I suggest a werewolf clan with a struggle for power. Do you and your SO argue over their inability to be vulnerable? A dragon romance might be just the thing.
Which brings us to werebears.
Bella Carson, penname of a Wellesley alum, has recently published the first of what will undoubtedly be a series of BBW shape-shifter romances (voluptuous ladies with were-beasts, for the uninitiated). And Fire Bear: Alpha Hunter is super fun.
Not to mention that the heroine is super badass and drives a black Cadillac named Maleficent.
Sam Graves is a loner, but good at her jobānamely, hunting down creatures that go bump in the night. Sheās easy to root for and understandably attractive to the Alpha bear who saunters into her life. At no point does she question her right to do her very intimidating job or decide the fate of the world.
The supernatural plot twists are clever, and the potential couple has believable issues to work out, but itās really the descriptions that set this book apart. Itās hard not to giggle and page-turn through descriptions like āshe was built like a khaki wrecking ballā and āShe felt drunk, giddy, like someone had replaced all her blood with champagne.ā
To be honest, I probably wouldnāt have picked it up if the author wasnāt a Wellesley, but Iām glad I did. Itās a quick romp and you canāt beat the price for e-books these days. Pick it upāyou might enjoy a bite yourself.
Summary: Depressed Arthur Kirkland wakes up on his birthday expecting his family to be there with breakfast in bed, a small pile of presents and a few cards. However, when none of that happens, he thinks they have forgotten their useless son and everything starts to spiral downwards...
