Cari Z.
Author of Risky Behavior
About the Author
Series
Works by Cari Z.
Soul Bound 6 copies
Under the Gun 6 copies
Reclamation 4 copies
Pandora: Liminal Space: Book One 4 copies
Cinders 1 copy
Wanting More 1 copy
Bonded (Liminal Space #0.5) 1 copy
Rules to Live By 1 copy
Stolen 1 copy
Panopolis 1 copy
Seamark 1 copy
Framed 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 20th century
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- writer
- Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Colorado, USA
Members
Reviews
ANOTHER ELF-GIFT! LUCKY OLD ME.
My Review: Six foul w-bombs. Six. Fie on this, this plague this dreadful and cornball and unnatural act! Real, actual ball-having testosterone-producing males do not w-i-n-k at...anyone, really, except the very, very young.
Still. The story. I am not against a good, solid iteration of an evergreen plot. Here we have one of those stories that's been Hallmarked and Lifetimed until we know it by heart, and that is why we consume them. It is comforting. It feels show more *right* to go all misty and dewy when reading about young men who are just figuring it all out, fighting battles that were passed down to them or were inflicted from without by force majeure. They are really, honestly like that, after all. And the young men here are good souls trapped into confining boxes by histories and expectations they didn't agree to accept.
When Dominic sees Maxfield for the first time in many a year, he is right back to his teenaged crush on his big brother's bestie. Said bestie is clueless...a decade between fourteen and twenty-four is a lot longer than almost any other...and just flirts with the hot young cop helping him out of the snowbank as he's on the way back to the hometown he fled.
When the hijinks do eventually ensue, it's not a moment too soon. Like almost halfway through the book before they get down to business. Now...that's not a *bad* thing, there's the whole "best friend's little brother has plutonium in his underpants" issue, but good lawsy me! One thing I'll give the author, she didn't exactly stint once the ice was broken. (And this is one of those NO STRAIGHT PEOPLE reads.) She even deals with the issue of PDAs several times, in several different situations; that was refreshing to me. All too often it seems as though there's a simple, blanket response to the issue, it's okay or it's not. I've never known anyone with that blanket an approach to that complex issue. It's refreshing to read something where it's multi-layered.
What also feels good to say is that the way the author breaks the OMG-conflict-therefore-run-away issue both men have came in such a realistic way. Just...flat-out blurting it. "I'm sorry, I fucked up, I really really want us to work on problems and there I went and did the wrong thing, and..."
I think there's nothing more real than the response of "shut up and kiss me" when someone's just given you their entire heart on a platter, yours to hurt or heal. This is a category romance. We know the choice before we get there. That's why we came on this ride! But so often the response to the resolution of the scariest thing you can do is...not very realistic. Sappy, soppy words, or a long, loving look...nope. Men are action-oriented. Feeling something? Do something about it!
So, yes, I ended up happy with the read. I'll definitely read another one from Author Cari Z. I'm sure she's got other good stuff to say, and her grasp of the actual workings of men sexing up other men is superior to many. That she made the effort to give them both serious thoughts about the what, the how, and the why of each act was a big point in the story's favor. show less
My Review: Six foul w-bombs. Six. Fie on this, this plague this dreadful and cornball and unnatural act! Real, actual ball-having testosterone-producing males do not w-i-n-k at...anyone, really, except the very, very young.
Still. The story. I am not against a good, solid iteration of an evergreen plot. Here we have one of those stories that's been Hallmarked and Lifetimed until we know it by heart, and that is why we consume them. It is comforting. It feels show more *right* to go all misty and dewy when reading about young men who are just figuring it all out, fighting battles that were passed down to them or were inflicted from without by force majeure. They are really, honestly like that, after all. And the young men here are good souls trapped into confining boxes by histories and expectations they didn't agree to accept.
When Dominic sees Maxfield for the first time in many a year, he is right back to his teenaged crush on his big brother's bestie. Said bestie is clueless...a decade between fourteen and twenty-four is a lot longer than almost any other...and just flirts with the hot young cop helping him out of the snowbank as he's on the way back to the hometown he fled.
When the hijinks do eventually ensue, it's not a moment too soon. Like almost halfway through the book before they get down to business. Now...that's not a *bad* thing, there's the whole "best friend's little brother has plutonium in his underpants" issue, but good lawsy me! One thing I'll give the author, she didn't exactly stint once the ice was broken. (And this is one of those NO STRAIGHT PEOPLE reads.) She even deals with the issue of PDAs several times, in several different situations; that was refreshing to me. All too often it seems as though there's a simple, blanket response to the issue, it's okay or it's not. I've never known anyone with that blanket an approach to that complex issue. It's refreshing to read something where it's multi-layered.
Being out was a big deal for me. I’d never ask a guy to come out, but I wouldn’t go into the closet to be with someone. Not that I was thinking about the future. At all.
What also feels good to say is that the way the author breaks the OMG-conflict-therefore-run-away issue both men have came in such a realistic way. Just...flat-out blurting it. "I'm sorry, I fucked up, I really really want us to work on problems and there I went and did the wrong thing, and..."
Before I could say another word, Max reached out, grabbed my jacket, and pulled me into a kiss. It was a cold, awkward kiss—our noses were freezing, his lips were chapped, and my mouth must have tasted like too-sugary frosting. But damn. It was still the best kiss I’d ever had. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer, warming him as best I could, welcoming him against my body. He could stay there forever, as far as I was concerned.
I think there's nothing more real than the response of "shut up and kiss me" when someone's just given you their entire heart on a platter, yours to hurt or heal. This is a category romance. We know the choice before we get there. That's why we came on this ride! But so often the response to the resolution of the scariest thing you can do is...not very realistic. Sappy, soppy words, or a long, loving look...nope. Men are action-oriented. Feeling something? Do something about it!
So, yes, I ended up happy with the read. I'll definitely read another one from Author Cari Z. I'm sure she's got other good stuff to say, and her grasp of the actual workings of men sexing up other men is superior to many. That she made the effort to give them both serious thoughts about the what, the how, and the why of each act was a big point in the story's favor. show less
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
L.A. Witt and Cari Z. did it again with another banger of an MM romance with dark themes. Though, for a murder mystery from the POVs of someone in funeral services and in crime scene cleanup, respectively, and all the expected details associated with those professions, this is a surprisingly CUTE and humorous story with an almost PG, low spice, sweet romance.
I've read a couple of books by this author duo before, and those books have always been well-written adventures with show more a somewhat lighthearted air despite the looming danger. STAY IN YOUR LANE carries on with that theme, though "looming danger" puts it mildly. Kyle and Everett become threatened the more they investigate, and while I felt that the action slowed down a bit at the beginning of the second half, those threats ramped up dramatically into full blown danger by the finale. The scaling investigation with the, again, surprisingly SWEET and protective romance that quickly blossoms along the way makes this a fast-paced book that's easy to read and very enjoyable.
One of things I like about L.A. Witt and Cari Z.'s books is that they actually develop the characters and give them histories and families, and those FAMILIES have personalities and relationships. The main characters have actual lives before and after meeting each other, and it brings a level of realism to the story that's sometimes lacking in other books. STRONG characters is probably what I look for first and most in books, so I'm excited this is another book that I can say does it well.
Kyle and Everett, as well as the side cast, really shine. They're easy to root for, charming, and likable, and by the end of it, I wanted only good things to happen to them from then on.
Everett's earnestness, dopey golden-retriever personality, his undiagnosed ADHD, love of animals, and acumen, in particular really made me fall for him quickly. I hated how his family were mild bullies towards him, and while I wish we would have had a chance to see those same family members learn to respect him and his abilities a little more, I could tell at the end of the day they all deeply loved each other, which is somewhat rare and gratifying to see in fiction, especially queer fiction. I also feel like the story suggested that were this not a standalone, his family would see how well Everett manages his ADHD and balances both his new relationship and his increased work load and responsibilities in a sequel. However, there were enough hints of such that, really, I can imagine it happening regardless of sequel. His character and branching relationships were just written so well!
Kyle and his pets added so much to STAY IN YOUR LANE too, though. Kyle was steadfast and brave, and his loyalty to his pets, even Steve, the jerk of a piranha, was admirable and lovable. And those pets!! Two cats and an assortment of piranha all REALLY lended to the rom-com feel of this book. The cats' antics are so cute and REALISTIC. My gosh, I felt like those cats were just as lifelike as their owner. And the piranha, Steve in particular, had way more personality than I've ever seen given to FISH before! Steve was like a cartoon villain. He was HILARIOUS, and I loved every time he was mentioned. He made me laugh out loud more than once and was, honestly, the FUNNIEST character in the book!
Really, STAY IN YOUR LANE is a great, quick murder mystery romp. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of darkness, doesn't mind some viscera, and loves the idea of some adorably charming main characters and pets with personality. It's also perfect for anyone who prefers low spice in their reads! Read this for a thrilling mystery and cute romance between its investigators and have fun and laughs along the way. show less
L.A. Witt and Cari Z. did it again with another banger of an MM romance with dark themes. Though, for a murder mystery from the POVs of someone in funeral services and in crime scene cleanup, respectively, and all the expected details associated with those professions, this is a surprisingly CUTE and humorous story with an almost PG, low spice, sweet romance.
I've read a couple of books by this author duo before, and those books have always been well-written adventures with show more a somewhat lighthearted air despite the looming danger. STAY IN YOUR LANE carries on with that theme, though "looming danger" puts it mildly. Kyle and Everett become threatened the more they investigate, and while I felt that the action slowed down a bit at the beginning of the second half, those threats ramped up dramatically into full blown danger by the finale. The scaling investigation with the, again, surprisingly SWEET and protective romance that quickly blossoms along the way makes this a fast-paced book that's easy to read and very enjoyable.
One of things I like about L.A. Witt and Cari Z.'s books is that they actually develop the characters and give them histories and families, and those FAMILIES have personalities and relationships. The main characters have actual lives before and after meeting each other, and it brings a level of realism to the story that's sometimes lacking in other books. STRONG characters is probably what I look for first and most in books, so I'm excited this is another book that I can say does it well.
Kyle and Everett, as well as the side cast, really shine. They're easy to root for, charming, and likable, and by the end of it, I wanted only good things to happen to them from then on.
Everett's earnestness, dopey golden-retriever personality, his undiagnosed ADHD, love of animals, and acumen, in particular really made me fall for him quickly. I hated how his family were mild bullies towards him, and while I wish we would have had a chance to see those same family members learn to respect him and his abilities a little more, I could tell at the end of the day they all deeply loved each other, which is somewhat rare and gratifying to see in fiction, especially queer fiction. I also feel like the story suggested that were this not a standalone, his family would see how well Everett manages his ADHD and balances both his new relationship and his increased work load and responsibilities in a sequel. However, there were enough hints of such that, really, I can imagine it happening regardless of sequel. His character and branching relationships were just written so well!
Kyle and his pets added so much to STAY IN YOUR LANE too, though. Kyle was steadfast and brave, and his loyalty to his pets, even Steve, the jerk of a piranha, was admirable and lovable. And those pets!! Two cats and an assortment of piranha all REALLY lended to the rom-com feel of this book. The cats' antics are so cute and REALISTIC. My gosh, I felt like those cats were just as lifelike as their owner. And the piranha, Steve in particular, had way more personality than I've ever seen given to FISH before! Steve was like a cartoon villain. He was HILARIOUS, and I loved every time he was mentioned. He made me laugh out loud more than once and was, honestly, the FUNNIEST character in the book!
Really, STAY IN YOUR LANE is a great, quick murder mystery romp. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of darkness, doesn't mind some viscera, and loves the idea of some adorably charming main characters and pets with personality. It's also perfect for anyone who prefers low spice in their reads! Read this for a thrilling mystery and cute romance between its investigators and have fun and laughs along the way. show less
Detective Mark Thibedeau is perfectly happy doing his job in Internal Affairs and going home to his cat. Still, when his assistant wants to set him up on a blind date, he can’t help but be intrigued. Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting. It’s instant chemistry when they meet—and instant chaos.
We get to know Mark Thibedeau show more from the previous books. There is so much more to him than we ever could have imagined. Anyway...on to this one. The romance takes somewhat of a "back seat" this time, and the story focuses more on the investigation, the political and the matters of prejudice and racism among the police department rears "it's ugly head". The subject is relevant to today, and I found it interesting...but then L.A. Witt has a habit of bringing current topics into her stories.
The chemistry between the two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly "shut down" between them, and justice still needs to be served. I liked the investigation parts, along with Mark's work ethics and attention to detail, and how despite wanting Ryan almost more than his next breath, he withstood the temptation in order to take a killer off the streets.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to making lightning quick decisions in often intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life. When he finds himself caught up in a world of corruption and deadly secrets, he flounders badly. The worst part is that at the top of the most important investigation is the man that he had only just found and already has developed very strong feelings for. Ryan has shown that he can take care of himself while still being compassionate and gentle. I really liked Mark and Ryan as a couple. Despite their busy and sometimes dangerous lives they just fit. They have so many common interests as well as friends that respect them. If you are looking for a story that is filled with steam...this probably isn't what you are looking for. The steamy level is fairly mild compared to other books by this author...but what there was can only be described as awesome.
Overall, this can take its place as a wonderful addition to the series. Characters from previous books made appearances. I aways like the reappearances of past characters. Another good offering by one of my many favorite authors in the M/M romance genera. show less
We get to know Mark Thibedeau show more from the previous books. There is so much more to him than we ever could have imagined. Anyway...on to this one. The romance takes somewhat of a "back seat" this time, and the story focuses more on the investigation, the political and the matters of prejudice and racism among the police department rears "it's ugly head". The subject is relevant to today, and I found it interesting...but then L.A. Witt has a habit of bringing current topics into her stories.
The chemistry between the two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly "shut down" between them, and justice still needs to be served. I liked the investigation parts, along with Mark's work ethics and attention to detail, and how despite wanting Ryan almost more than his next breath, he withstood the temptation in order to take a killer off the streets.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to making lightning quick decisions in often intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life. When he finds himself caught up in a world of corruption and deadly secrets, he flounders badly. The worst part is that at the top of the most important investigation is the man that he had only just found and already has developed very strong feelings for. Ryan has shown that he can take care of himself while still being compassionate and gentle. I really liked Mark and Ryan as a couple. Despite their busy and sometimes dangerous lives they just fit. They have so many common interests as well as friends that respect them. If you are looking for a story that is filled with steam...this probably isn't what you are looking for. The steamy level is fairly mild compared to other books by this author...but what there was can only be described as awesome.
Overall, this can take its place as a wonderful addition to the series. Characters from previous books made appearances. I aways like the reappearances of past characters. Another good offering by one of my many favorite authors in the M/M romance genera. show less
4.5 Seriously Impressed Hearts!
The title is so appropriate, for this is beyond any shifter book I've ever read, and it was quite the fabulous refreshing BR with Sara!
I don’t know if I can do this story justice but I’m gonna try…
What one has to know first is that this is a world where werewolves obviously exist. They’re a government experiment gone wrong decades ago and the age old debate did come up as to what to do with this new subset of humans with extraordinary abilities but show more potentially scary ones at that. There’s unfortunately now a very strict divide between “species” and once a person goes werewolf, they are pretty much separated from their human life and brought into the fold of a pack. Werewolves are basically second class citizens - highly monitored, regulated, and restricted as they pose a perceived danger to the masses should one go rogue. To keep them in line and to insure their safety, a pack’s alpha is basically conscripted to serve the government in any nefarious ways they deem necessary, using their deadly skills in the name of national security.
Knowing that, this book starts off with Ward. He’s desperately trying to find his newly shifted daughter Ava. By law, she is no longer legally his and has been unfairly taken away from him to an unknown destination to be raised by her “own kind”. Well fuck that. Ward is not going to give up that easily. His daughter is the only family he has left, and he is determined to be a part of her life, regardless of the fact that it’s basically unheard of for a human to live among werewolves. Luckily, he has a friend in high places that helps Ward track Ava down, and once he arrives, he staunchly refuses to budge.
Enter Henry. He’s Ava’s alpha, and though he knows Ward’s presence is probably the best thing for her, especially since she has yet to shift back to human and is slowly failing to thrive, his first inclination is to say no because it’s against the rules and Henry always follows the rules. Ward’s presence and how he came to find Henry’s pack puts all of them in danger, shining an unwanted spotlight on Henry as he essentially takes the “blame” for this breach in security.
With pressures and demands coming at Henry from all directions, the last thing he needs is to feel attraction to the newcomer. However, he can’t deny that Ward’s tenacity and bravery grounds him like no other, and though Ward was never something Henry ever imagined he could obtain, he sure is something Henry wants. In turn, Ward feels the same attraction and hesitation. Henry is prickly and intimidating but his consideration and care for all of those under his protection cannot be ignored. Ward realizes Henry is admirable in his acceptance to be an instrument for the government to use and abuse, taking their shit over and over for the good of the pack, sacrificing his happiness, his soul. If Ward can give and get some measure of comfort with Henry, he’s going to try his darnedest to do what feels right by him and what he starts to feel is now his pack too.
Perhaps as a warning, this isn’t a fluffy shifter romance. It’s so much more.
This had grit, an urgent seriousness to it. Life isn’t pretty nor kind. Responsibility weighs heavily, and it takes every ounce of willpower and determination and obligation to survive the unfairness of it all. Perhaps though, finding someone special to care for and to be cared by, can ease that burden. For those that need to know, the doling out of yummy bits between these two are small and far and few between. However, the gradual build and the UST are palpable and oh so strongly felt, and despite the low smexy level, this still kept my avid interest. Have no doubt though, I would’ve hungrily gobbled up more if given.
I obviously loved this. I want Cari Z to write at least 10 more books in this compelling complex world she has created. She better, because I have to know the fates of Tennyson and Davis!! Puh-leeeeasse don’t leave me hanging!!!
Like I said. Unique and wholly captivating. It sucked me in, caught me, and wouldn't let go. Very very highly recommended!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
show less
The title is so appropriate, for this is beyond any shifter book I've ever read, and it was quite the fabulous refreshing BR with Sara!
I don’t know if I can do this story justice but I’m gonna try…
What one has to know first is that this is a world where werewolves obviously exist. They’re a government experiment gone wrong decades ago and the age old debate did come up as to what to do with this new subset of humans with extraordinary abilities but show more potentially scary ones at that. There’s unfortunately now a very strict divide between “species” and once a person goes werewolf, they are pretty much separated from their human life and brought into the fold of a pack. Werewolves are basically second class citizens - highly monitored, regulated, and restricted as they pose a perceived danger to the masses should one go rogue. To keep them in line and to insure their safety, a pack’s alpha is basically conscripted to serve the government in any nefarious ways they deem necessary, using their deadly skills in the name of national security.
Knowing that, this book starts off with Ward. He’s desperately trying to find his newly shifted daughter Ava. By law, she is no longer legally his and has been unfairly taken away from him to an unknown destination to be raised by her “own kind”. Well fuck that. Ward is not going to give up that easily. His daughter is the only family he has left, and he is determined to be a part of her life, regardless of the fact that it’s basically unheard of for a human to live among werewolves. Luckily, he has a friend in high places that helps Ward track Ava down, and once he arrives, he staunchly refuses to budge.
Enter Henry. He’s Ava’s alpha, and though he knows Ward’s presence is probably the best thing for her, especially since she has yet to shift back to human and is slowly failing to thrive, his first inclination is to say no because it’s against the rules and Henry always follows the rules. Ward’s presence and how he came to find Henry’s pack puts all of them in danger, shining an unwanted spotlight on Henry as he essentially takes the “blame” for this breach in security.
With pressures and demands coming at Henry from all directions, the last thing he needs is to feel attraction to the newcomer. However, he can’t deny that Ward’s tenacity and bravery grounds him like no other, and though Ward was never something Henry ever imagined he could obtain, he sure is something Henry wants. In turn, Ward feels the same attraction and hesitation. Henry is prickly and intimidating but his consideration and care for all of those under his protection cannot be ignored. Ward realizes Henry is admirable in his acceptance to be an instrument for the government to use and abuse, taking their shit over and over for the good of the pack, sacrificing his happiness, his soul. If Ward can give and get some measure of comfort with Henry, he’s going to try his darnedest to do what feels right by him and what he starts to feel is now his pack too.
Perhaps as a warning, this isn’t a fluffy shifter romance. It’s so much more.
This had grit, an urgent seriousness to it. Life isn’t pretty nor kind. Responsibility weighs heavily, and it takes every ounce of willpower and determination and obligation to survive the unfairness of it all. Perhaps though, finding someone special to care for and to be cared by, can ease that burden. For those that need to know, the doling out of yummy bits between these two are small and far and few between. However, the gradual build and the UST are palpable and oh so strongly felt, and despite the low smexy level, this still kept my avid interest. Have no doubt though, I would’ve hungrily gobbled up more if given.
I obviously loved this. I want Cari Z to write at least 10 more books in this compelling complex world she has created. She better, because I have to know the fates of Tennyson and Davis!! Puh-leeeeasse don’t leave me hanging!!!
Like I said. Unique and wholly captivating. It sucked me in, caught me, and wouldn't let go. Very very highly recommended!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
show less
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