The Alpha's Fake Mate: Omega Misfits Book 2, Wendy Rathbone

Holland and Orion are made for one another, though neither expects that at all.  Holland is absolutely given the short end of the stick in his life and when his incredibly traumatic experience colors his view drastically, it takes all the patience and interest and determination Orion possesses to give the Omega another chance to see another side, a side that could include love.

Orion is atypical in his desires and also in the way he endeavors to run his inheritance.  Those aspects bring him Holland.  He also has a savior complex that gives Holland exactly what he needs to escape the life that is threatening to suffocate him.  Holland's perspective opens Ori's eyes to a life he never thought twice about.  I really liked their dynamic because it was so very atypical to their society.

There were so many parallels to the plight of women and anything other than a wealthy hetero male and while the references and frustrations were a bit heavy handed, they were still relevant.  Holland had an admittedly horrendous experience and I don't blame his bitterness or dissatisfaction one bit.  What I did have a bit of trouble with was how vitriolic he was, how angry he stayed even when he saw clearly who Ori was and what he did for Holland.  Being upset with the world and encouraging Ori to use his position and wealth to do more was great, but that he took all that anger out on the man he absolutely knew was the exception to his hatred was frustrating.

Everything really did work out for both men and I truly enjoyed their dynamic, it made the story much more interesting.  I would have liked to see a little more into the brothel after various changes were made and for there to be a little more in the way of seeing Holland soften rather than it being a kind of sudden moment.  Those two things would have been appreciated.  Overall I enjoyed the first story in the series more, but am interested to see where we may go from here based on how different Ori and Holland's story was from Kris and Thorne's.

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The Alphas think they own everything. Including people. Well, I’m here to say they don’t own me, and I will never let one of those bastards touch me again.

The frenzy of their Burn cannot be trusted. I know from experience. My first time with an Alpha nearly ended in my death. And because of the laws which favor Alpha rights, and place a large number of unbonded, adult Omegas on chattel farms, my abuser can never be tried for his crimes against me.

Omegas are being hurt. Omegas are dying.

All Alphas are violent. Or so I believe. Until I meet Orion.

Ori is everything a guy could want in a mate. Six foot three. Beautiful brown wavy hair. Bright, dark eyes. Muscles like chiseled marble. He even says “please” and “thank you” at all the right times. He’s got it all, except he’s an Alpha.

Though he has given me a room in his home free of charge, and has signed fake paperwork saying we are bonded so I don’t have to answer my attacker’s claim, can I trust him?

But now I’m in danger. If I don’t take a real mate, my life as I know it will be over. Can I believe in the goodness of Ori? Can I learn to love again?

Abandoning Ship: Valentine's Inc. Cruises Book 7, Susan Hawke

From terrible puns to inappropriate nicknames for fun appendages to extremely small speedos, the awkward yet charming interplay between Ryan and Sawyer give credence to the idea that marrying your best friend can turn into the best kind of partnership.

I really wasn't kidding about the puns.  I'm a huge fan of them, but the sheer number of them in this story, no matter their cleverness or quality, was a bit much.  It was certainly a unique-ness thing for the not couple/couple though.  The relationship was just as obvious as the pun choices and it was both frustrating and humorous with how they eventually got together.  The shenanigans once they were on the same page is definitely a fine work of fiction.  It induced snickering, eye rolling, swooning, and fanning from the amount of chemistry they had.

While I know all was forgiven in the end with Julia I can't help but feel her forgiveness was given too easily.  She really was all kinds of selfish.  Though I am glad we got a few glimpses into how her chosen partner encouraged her to make amends and to see the effects of her choices.

And the family dysfunction was absolutely ridiculous.  While the homophobia and judging is horrible, it was all included in a slightly softer way.  By making the father an exceedingly caustic human being it lent more humor than pain to the situation.  Ryan still had to acknowledge that it wasn't a complete relief to see his father do what was predicted, so that was good, but it was still a far simpler matter because his dad was truly such an awful person.

Overall I think that's pretty much the way you can sum up all the confrontations and unions—simple and over the top in display.  It was definitely a humorous story with far less angst than the antagonists and friction could have played out so I'd definitely say this was more a light and fluffy story.  The feeling at the end was one of freedom, joy, and love and that despite so many setbacks and mishaps they all proved to be happy accidents that led them to the person and the life that was always meant to be theirs.

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When the seas of love grow choppy, sometimes the best course is to abandon ship!

Two years ago, Ryan Abernathy was too tongue-tied, too introverted, and entirely too nervous to flirt with his hot but presumably straight new roommate. So when Ryan’s sister swooped in and scooped the hottie up for herself, he accepted his fate and kept his crush a secret.

Sawyer Muller never meant to find himself in a fake relationship with his sexy roommate's sister. And how was he supposed to know that Ryan would become his bestie and star in way too many of his dreams?

Things get complicated when Julia Abernathy strikes a deal with Sawyer to upgrade from fake boyfriend to groom, though they only need to stay married long enough for her to get her trust fund. They plan a fun cruise ship wedding with her entire family in tow. Sawyer figures it sounds like an adventure, and when they quietly divorce later, he’ll finally be free of all the fakery.

With Julia and Ryan’s homophobic, snooty family present, the pressure is turned up… especially when Sawyer finds himself jilted at the altar and drowning in a sea of blame. His only life preserver is the Abernathy sibling he can’t admit to wanting… Ryan.

Realize: Men of Hidden Creek Season 4 Book 2, Susan Hawke

Life can certainly be unpredictable, but for Parker it tore his world apart.  If not for his children and best friend, he might not have had the strength to survive it.  It didn't take long for me to admire both men and root for something wonderful between them.  Thankfully, they didn't disappoint with the depth and rightness of their changing relationship.

I didn't get a great sense of Max right at the start, other than his heart and his willingness to support his best friend, but when we first get into his head we see right away that he's never second-guessed his role in the lives of those that matter most to him.  Parker needed him, Cindy and Tommy needed him, so he stepped in and took the burden happily.  I admired that about him quite a lot.

And then there's Parker.  He struck me as both caring and strong right in the beginning despite having the rug pulled out from under him.  But when we see him again, he felt so very young and a little on the immature side.  Not the immaturity that comes from irresponsibility or selfishness, but from youth and inexperience.  He didn't regain his maturity and solidness until much later as his relationship with Max became something more.  Maybe it was because all the pieces were slotting together as they should be, or maybe it was just because his reaction to those changes was so smooth.

Their relationship was very slow-burn, but the explanation for that is rooted in sexual identity and the focus being on building a family rather than a sexual connection.  Even with the "educational" aspect of the sexuality discussion, it all felt like a pretty natural transition.  With no angst at all, I was wondering how the story and the couple were both going to progress, what kind of conflict would be used to give us some sort of tension or literary climax.  To be honest, the whole thing felt tame and mild, and that wasn't necessarily bad, it was just a longer and fluffier story than I was expecting.

Overall it was a nice change of pace and I learned to love all the sweetness, the tender way their family found stability, security, and happiness in the aftermath of so much grief.  Overcoming those difficulties was a bit overly simplistic though, yet it fit the lighter feel of the story.  Max gained everything he could ever want and Parker gained everything he could ever need.  Once again we see that Hidden Creek is the town where love is love and love is all.

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“What we have can’t be faked.”

Max Jackson’s life is pretty close to perfect—except that he’s secretly in love with his straight best friend and roommate. He’s got his dream job and a family he secretly pretends are his own. But they aren’t… no matter how much he might wish it were true.

After the tragic death of his wife, Parker Wilson didn’t have time to wallow in grief—not when he had two young children to raise. He’s not looking for romance or a new partner. He doesn’t need one anyway… he has his life-long buddy Max to help him through every struggle.

When Parker loses his job and can’t afford his daughter’s pricey insulin, Max suggests fake marriage for insurance coverage. Since he’s already a second parent to Parker’s cute kids, it should be easy… until the marriage becomes a little too real.

The Alpha's Undeniable Omega: Arranged Mates Book 1, Lorelei M. Hart

When their unwanted betrothal suddenly showed them to be fated mates, neither Ahe nor Liko was prepared for the consequences.  Each man had their own shortcomings but it was clear that only together could they find the strength to overcome them.  With an interesting dynamic between the social expectations of both clans, there was something extra to keep me reading the story that could support and strengthen the relationship that initially intrigued me.  And even though there were issues that felt unresolved or swept under the rug, the ending was really fantastic for both men and what they were able to achieve together.

As Liko battled Fate with his own desires for his future he could have lost the possibility of everything with Ahe, but when they both finally gave in to their feelings and were honest with one another they found a way to truly live their fullest lives.  Together they built a family and created a foundation for the change both clans have needed for decades.  I didn't love how they got to that point, but some of my frustration was soothed by the love and support we witnessed at the end.

Issues hanging out there and not given closure, like with Ahe's mother and brother and a certain texter, really stick in my craw, in fact, it's been days since I've finished the story and I'm still annoyed by it.  What bothers me the most is that I remember those moments more than the joy they found.  Also, the way neither man seemed inclined to actually share their thoughts and feelings until it was almost too late was beyond frustrating.  The way the "fated mates" situation was pushed was a little too manipulative for me as well.

But in the end, it's the end that really saved the story.  What the author was able to accomplish gave so much hope and lightness and love.  And having the auntie as a strong supporting character was the bridge that both men needed to see that there's another way to live, another way to see things and that making big changes sooner rather than later was imperative to not only their clan's well-being, but to them as well.  So overall this was a sweet story that took it's sweet time getting to all the tender, fluffy feelings I love, but they did get there.

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Liko has his eyes set on an unattainable goal. 

In his clan, Omegas don’t get educations or have careers. They have babies. Period. Only problem is, Liko has always wanted more, even though his fate was sealed by a mating arranged before he even hit puberty. 

Ahe has no time for relationships, much less to be someone’s alpha.

Alpha Ahe’s life is ruled by responsibilities. He is alpha of his clan, a clan held firmly in the past, while running his multi-billion dollar business. He doesn’t have time for finding his perfect mate, which works out well since his parents signed away his choices almost two decades earlier. 

Both men know it can’t last, yet their magnetism is undeniable.

Both men agree to a three-month mating. What could go wrong? Ahe’s clan will have the political ties his parents pushed for, and Liko will get a way out of the life he was pigeonholed into—he’ll get an education.

Both men know the mating is a sham—a sham with a time-stamp, so why is it that their panthers disagree? Could they be the true mates they had once upon a time hoped for? Would that even matter, given their goals don’t mesh?

Home in Austin: Lone Star Brothers Book 4, Susi Hawke

An omega with nothing meets an alpha with everything.  What neither wants nor was looking for finds them in an odd situation that sets the foundation for something truly beautiful to grow.  But if neither of them was searching for the very thing that landed in their laps, will they be able to recognize the gift for what it is?  Will they let it slip by or will they grab hold and make it permanent?  Austin and Owen will need to open their eyes and hearts to what is clearly meant to be and advice from well-intentioned, yet irreverent family as well as a deceased baby-daddy might help them see the path they should be traveling together.

Owen was delightfully flighty.  His commitment to the baby and being self-sufficient despite his deep yearnings for connection and family were also quite admirable.  He was a bit immature at times and that was slightly distracting, but overall his character was steady and consistent.  Adding to that with his growth under the care and help from Austin made him a really good man to get to know.

Austin, on the other hand, was amusingly staid.  His OCD was less annoying and more endearing, actually, and I wasn't expecting that.  He was actually pretty subtle about it and very mature; knowing it is his own issue and not Owen's gave him perspective and relief when Owen expressed his desire to understand and adjust.  It was his care and gentle concern along with his well-meaning manipulation so he could do his best for Owen that really won me over.  His softening and growth by the end that led him to truly appreciate love and his family made him a much more well-rounded character.

Their meet-cute really was quite cute.  It was pretty humorous and set the stage for most of Austin and Owen's interactions.  The relationship progressed really slowly and I appreciated that because it felt more organic, much more believable considering their situation.  When they finally got to the romantic stuff it was very sweet.  Passion, however, I felt was lacking.  The sexy times, mostly the solo fantasies, felt forced rather than natural.  Houston's interjections were more sexy than the bedroom scenes with the MC's and that's a bit sad.  Overall, though, the familial love and reconciliations that happened was almost over-the-top sweet and gave the story a much lighter feel despite the little bit of health drama thrown into the mix.

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Vampire with Benefits: Supernatural Selection Book 2, E.J. Russell

The mates Casimir Moreau and Rusty Johnson expected were nothing like what Fate intended so as she worked her magic around their partners in Single White Incubus, she wove another thread around Cas and Rusty.  As they conspire a temporary solution to their individual problems they discover that there's more to life than meeting and shunning expectations.  But when outside sources seek to destroy them independently, they'll have to work together to ensure they have a future to work toward.

Cas seemed more like a petulant child most of the time, but the way he was written was actually endearing rather than annoying.  It was clear that his biggest regret before we met him was his initial choice to Turn and he then spent the rest of his life...death?...letting the powers-that-be of his displeasure through pranks and acting out.  But it's his rivalry that really led him to Supernatural Selection and, ultimately, to Rusty.  So rather than be disappointed in his childishness, I can't help but feel sympathetic toward him.  And watching him come to terms with his mistakes and his growing, changing feelings for Rusty warms me all over.

Poor Rusty gets the short end of the stick all the time.  When he thinks he'll finally be on even ground with someone even that is taken away.  His innate sense of caring and compassion opens him to all the goodness Cas hides beneath his bravado and devil-may-care attitude and it's that that I totally fall in love with.  Rusty is my favorite here because he's such a good man who tries to do what's right and gets shut down all the time.  While his indecision and hesitation aren't my favorite, his determination and earnestness keep me grounded in who he really is and could be.

Both men change for the better throughout this story and I really enjoyed watching them open up to one another.  The lead-up to the end keeps me on the edge of my seat with all the things that could go wrong and how many times they'll have to repeat the scenario before they get it right.  But what could have been a 4.5 stars goes down to just 4 when we don't get to see Cas rediscover what he feels for Rusty.  We see where they meet up again, but aside from having insight through Rusty's part, we're left with Cas' thoughts and feelings which felt inadequate for their reunion.  It was believable, if you can call fantasy and supernatural believable, but just didn't make my heart soar...I was left feeling rather flat and that's not how I wanted to end.  The overall story was good, however, and I'm so very in for Demon on the Down-low (expected to come out February 2019).

*$3.99 on Amazon!

A Deceptive Alliance, Sydney Blackburn

An alliance between two kingdoms rests on the happy marriage of Isabel and Prince Darin.  But when Isabel disappears and doesn't return for the proxy wedding, it's up to Kel to take her place...temporarily.  Except he's a man and a twin, two very big marks against him according to the peace treaty and customs of Pervayne.  He'll have to keep up the ruse if he wants to save their lives and their alliance.  Not everything is as it seems, however, and Kel might not be the only one hiding things.

Kel was truly interesting with his abilities as well as his understanding of his country's situation regarding his sister's irresponsibility and impulsiveness.  Covering for her selfishness and poor decision-making more than once in this story showed how mature and selfless he was.  He was also no pushover.  The way he would stand up for "himself" to Dare and the other guard was admirable.  All the difficulty of assuming his sister's role was described really well, none of the awkwardness was overlooked.

Dare's character was slightly predictable but it was his confession and acceptance of his chastisement that made me like him.  His sincerity regarding his former lover's attitude and actions was admirable but a little dismissive as if they weren't that big of a deal when pretty much anyone could see that it was, based on that spurned lover's reaction to seeing Kel.  You can also kind of tell that he really isn't the heir apparent because he's a bit oblivious and slightly clueless about getting his way with his very domineering father or just acting in a way to be taken seriously once they reach his kingdom.

I liked the reasoning for both men's deception over the journey.  While Michael judged Kel unfairly and treated him with jealous prejudice I was wondering if that would become a bigger conflict but they quickly found common ground and became friends and allies regarding Dare.

The idea of the Kindred was definitely something more modern in expression and acknowledgment while placed in a historical setting that seemed both fitting and radical at the same time.  And the king's decree regarding the marriage is pretty much what many of us would like to see happen today; the way it was written made it a beautiful sentiment more than a current-time political statement.

I enjoyed this story quite a lot.  The conflict was really in the consequences of the revelation rather than anything external coming at them first.  And nothing more insidious than irresponsibility and extreme caution threatened them as well.  There were other events that could have turned into something more dangerous or become more of a hindrance to their HEA but everything resolved quickly and simply.  Perhaps too simply, but that's the beauty of something filled with love and fluff...if you're not feeling that type of story, you should skip this one.  Otherwise, enjoy the simple love and the strong characters that influence a happier future for all.

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Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 20

  

• The Contingency Plan, Addison Albright
• A Wealth of Secrets: The Shale River Series Book 3, Mackenzie Wilde
• Save a Horse, Dive a Cowboy, Kayla Jameth

This had a really interesting premise.  I was interested in a dual POV but with how incredibly short this story was it wouldn't have worked.  There was quite a bit of information subtly and fluidly given despite the lack of pages that impressed me.  I felt like I knew Prince Marcelo and was genuinely happy that things worked out for him the way they did.  He was introspective, intelligent, kind, eager, and curious.  His intended, however, remains a relative mystery.  We get to know his politics, his kingdom's dynamics, his genuine interest in Marcelo, but that's it.  Knowing practically nothing about him makes this a generally nice story that didn't have quite the punch I was hoping for.  2.5 stars.

I had high hopes for this story because of the synopsis but was quite disappointed at what I read.  The ending was tender and sweet and showed so much growth.  What we didn't get was the growth process.  What we also didn't get was a real beginning of a turnaround.  Doug's introduction was horrible.  Not only did he come across as a vacuous, selfish, self-absorbed rich boy, his growth and evolution was big and yet felt off-page.  Chris is definitely just as uptight as he's described, but he's so much more.  The way he cares for everyone in his family, his town, and everyone else is admirable and makes my heart ache.  But the rest of him leaves something to be desired.  It felt like there was a disconnect between what I was reading and what I was feeling and it left me unclear about how to process where he and Doug ended up and their roles.  Overall there was a feeling of lacking.  The characters lacked oomph, the plot lacked a consistent incline, the relationship lacked balance and foundation and transparency, the whole story lacked a depth and sincerity that would have made it as attention-grabbing as the synopsis.  2 stars.

I honestly thought this would be campy, hokey, and an eye-rollingly tolerable read that I was hoping to enjoy.  Imagine my surprise when I genuinely liked the story!  The two main characters in the romantic relationship were good men who truly loved one another.  Their willingness to do whatever it took to fix the situation was admirable as well as sweet.  I will say that I enjoyed Charlie a bit more than Shep.  While Shep's determination was a star attribute, his obliviousness and attitude of avoidance concerning Coyote's human deception was a bit more than annoying.  Charlie had every right to be upset and I'm not a fan of hiding events just to save a partner's feelings.  Transparency is a huge deal for me.  Watching Charlie slowly go feral was incredibly interesting.  I've never read about a horse shifter before so the way the author brought that element into the story was both effective and disturbing.  Disturbing because it was so logical, so believable the way he was descending into the way a horse would really act.  Such a brilliant part of the book despite the implications for him and Shep.  Charlie was also incredibly smart.  The way he knew who the culprit was and his treatment of him in the end spoke to both his intelligence and his upbringing.  I really enjoyed the way it came together.  Though I would have liked a bit more harshness for Coyote's consequences.  Overall, this was a surprisingly great story that I was happy to have taken a chance on.  3.5 stars.

Then There Was You: Second Chances Duet Book 1, Claire Contreras

They were immature, angst-ridden, and in denial about virtually everything.  They were heart-breaking.  And despite my frustrations, I felt.  My chest is all squeezy-tight with anticipation for where they'll go from here, how they'll make things right, how Rowan will find redemption, how Tessa will become the woman she's supposed to be rather than the emotional, vulnerable, petty creature she's become by their whiplash courtship.

Rowan has been groomed to take over the CEO position since he was young and he's never truly thought to be anything else.  Small dreams of something else flitted through his mind time and again but nothing he was ever willing to fight for.  He gave in so often that he didn't know how to stand up for himself, his dreams, or for anyone else for that matter.  I disliked him and yet felt so sorry for him.  I felt depth of character, yes, but I also thought he was rather one-note.  There weren't many scenes where they were getting to the heart of matters without conversations getting derailed.  There also weren't many instances of him being the kind, sweet, tender person Tessa mentioned him being.  A few, yes, but not enough to make me want to root for him.  For me to love him I'll have to be seriously convinced by the amount and sincerity of his groveling in My Way Back to You.

Tessa has the brilliant, creative mind that can make her soar.  But no confidence to back it up.  Feeling unnecessary guilt for the tumult in her family has done a number on her but also the undermining by Rowan, his mother, Camryn, and her own often crippling self-doubt.  She's immature and kind of arrogant.  The arrogance comes from pride, though, and not unjustified.  The way she runs from the truth about so many things makes me doubt that she can truly be the partner of Rowan's heart like he needs.  He needs saving but she not only shouldn't put herself in the role of savior at her own detriment, but also because she has no clue how to grow up and save herself either.  I hope her time during her apprenticeship gives her the distance, clarity, and confidence to move beyond herself and to truly grow into the woman she should become.

Together they flipped from one side of the relationship to the other, friends to enemies and back, friends to lovers and back.  But nothing could save them from themselves.  Without complete honesty and vulnerability that comes with admitting their feelings and fears to themselves and one another they'll never make it.  They spelled their own demise and only time with a whole lot of groveling for forgiveness will spell their resurrection.  Both Rowan and Tessa frustrated me to no end and I both liked them and disliked them.  I disliked their reality as people and as a couple but liked their potential.  They each have something in them that made me hope for more so we'll see if My Way Back to You can fulfill those hopes.

There were quite a few flashbacks that gave background to their relationship and all the players bent on seeing them fail, rarely to succeed.  One character, Sam, was the support of both I'm very much looking forward to getting to know him better.  I have some fears about his condition and know that will probably increase the amount of angst and sad feels coming in My Way Back to You.  Overall, though, the story was one that I wanted to put down but couldn't.  At each moment I wanted to take a break I'd find myself another couple chapters in.  It's compelling but not for all the best reasons.  I'm glad it won't be long before we get the second half of this duet so I can put all these feelings to rest.

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

*Their ride is certainly not over yet.

There's more angst to come and hopefully

their reunion will be one to celebrate.

Pre-order My Way Back to You...

To New Beginnings, Corinne Mazille

All the best decisions are made with copious amounts of wine...until you wake up and have to face the consequences.  Mia is stuck with some of the best consequences, though, when you compare drunk texting with a couple weeks in paradise.  Except what she really doesn't expect is to find the rest of her forever.

Being fired, evicted, and catching her fiancé being ridden by another woman, Mia has every reason to take a break from life.  Her best friend has her back, that's for sure, and when Mia accidentally purchases a two-week vacation on ʻOʻahu it's that support that has her waking Mia up and packing for her before her flight at an ungodly hour the next morning.  A meet-cute followed by a bar encounter sets Mia up for the fall of a lifetime, she just doesn't know it yet.

Beau is running from grief and responsibility.  When his best friend and quasi-brother is killed along with his wife in an unfortunate accident he skips town and ends up on a plane soaring across the ocean.  And then a stunning redhead bumps into him at baggage claim.  A meeting that sends her fleeing in embarrassment intrigues him and when he sees her dancing and drinking at his hotel's bar?  He's unwilling to let her run away this time.

The time they spend together in Hawaiʻi is passionate, fun, honest (to a point), and heartfelt.  They connect in a way they never realized was possible.  When Mia offers to help Beau when the news about Olivia is dropped on him he's reluctant to accept but she's determined to give him exactly what he needs.  Mia sees something in Beau that she yearns for but doesn't know if she can ask to keep him.  Beau feels the same but his life is in turmoil and with all the changes going on he's not sure if there's more in the cards for them beyond their island fling.

But fate isn't about to let them stay apart for long.  Mia can only avoid Beau for so long now that they're back in the same city and when he asks for her help it opens them up to take up right where they left off.  Their ups and downs are more cute and steamy than angst-ridden and chaotic.  I enjoyed seeing them fumble through the reconciliation despite the potential for misunderstandings and hurt.

When situations came up where they needed to be true to their feelings they were betrayed by their mouths and that actually helped them overcome what could have kept them from their happiness.  Thinking before speaking would have doomed them because of their insecurities and fears.  It was when they were thinking too hard that they got into trouble.

The drama surrounding their union and family was resolved pretty quickly and painlessly.  Well, except for the glass to the forehead and the knock to the back of the skull...  I liked the ending very much.  It was sweet, cute, hopeful, and very sexy.  Every character in the story was interesting, even the villains.  With a solid cast we're drawn in to their world far more than if this were just about a vacation fling and a fake marriage.  Meeting each person through their interactions with Mia and Beau builds affection for them as people and curiosity about who they'll end up with and how.  I'm absolutely in when the next story comes out!

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