“Fright nights, Big City” takes off with energy and a quick recap of the last book’s, “Fear and Longing in Los Angeles“, main events.
Although this is a paranormal comedy romance, Mark Leslie grips us into our seats with a suspense-inducing first scene that promises trouble and lots of awkward moments for our main character and Alex. A perfect start, to say the least. New characters, new problems, new powers, old enemies will be back and memories of love will mix the air with this furry adventure.
The emotional tension is doubled down this time along with the romantic part of the book. Expect LOADS of romance from this book and Mark will not disappoint. Michael, tells that he is over Gail, the constant comparisons between her and Alex as the plot progresses leaves serious doubts to that, but is it enough for us to keep our hopes up? Will they somehow get back together?
Awkward tension, sex, genuine love, confusion, hurt feelings, surprises, more sex, more hurt feelings, tears, and, drama. Oh, the drama is thick and surprising, but not so much to be unpleasant, so if you like it, grab some popcorn and buckle up! That, with the BIG surprise that Mark Leslie put when it comes to Gail that will leave you floored. Perfect timing.
This part of the series resonates with readers in funny ways. So, we have the “normal” or “not-werewolfy” state of Michael, that can’t read emotions. This makes him “unsee” obvious clues about the women he loves, Gail, and Lex, Michael’s new girlfriend. What happens is that, male readers will feel the confusion of Michael and female readers will relate to the annoyance of Gail and Lex.
Another GREAT and original thing that Mark Leslie did was to take whole new approach to the love-triangle dynamics. The route that Mark took made the book even more interesting and surprising. Points to Mark for dodging the cliché bullet.
We also loved his approach on the emotions of our MC, and the fact he displayed them quite often was refreshing.
Mark Leslie has put the pedal to the metal when it comes to humor on this book and there are so many great jokes and funny interactions woven into the story. The author threw funny expressions all around the book which enhanced the comedy of the book. Prepare yourself for the laughter and the joy when reading this awesome book. Amazing stuff.
It’s nice to read again the “mind” of the wolf and the perceptions that the wolf got, revealing many things about our MC. Two separate worlds, two sets of memory and two perceptions of the same world. It’s fascinating, especially when the wolf and Michael start to have… issues with one another. Curious.
Mark Leslie makes his characters break the fourth-wall without them realizing, and it’s hilarious, hahahahahah. Like, they describe the whole plot without them knowing they ARE living it, LOL. Nice one Mark. Very nice. LOL.
Mack is back!! Mack IS BAAAAACK! Ok, we realize how gruff Mack is, and that will annoy many readers, yes, but one thing is for sure, Mark can pull of some great jokes through him along with an enhanced contrast to the other characters. Mack is a total exaggeration of everything, and that makes him comical in a weird sense. The return of Mack also brings forward great points about self-respect and boundaries, and a GREAT surprise from our MC, and… Mack himself, which makes us love him even more. Loved it!
We appreciate how the author made internal questionings about Michael’s integrity and showed his doubts as a person. This made the character, and the whole book, even more relatable to the reader and much more real when it comes to the reading experience. Mark Leslie, like in the previous books, didn’t try to make him “the perfect” male, or “alpha male”, and this made the reading experience more believable. This is how you engage and keep readers. This is experienced writing right here. Excellent.
Is this book just love, emotional drama and tears mixed with fur? Oh not at all. Mark Leslie takes his time in developing the major plot of the book, slow cooking the enemy again in the readers mind, bringing it forward to the first stage of the book, making it a seamless and natural integration to the story as he keeps adding layer upon layer of suspense! Very nicely done indeed.
It’s curious to admire how Mark Leslie makes a tidal motion with things in this book. He lets us know that something is happening, hints to its presence, and then focuses on developing a another side of the plot. This continues for about a chapter or two then, he goes to another side of the story and focuses on that for another one to three chapters, then comes back to a previous plot, mixes everything up, connects the dots and THEN moves with it even further. It’s BRILLIANT!
Oh yes, of course, there is a powerful and relevant message to this book. It’s about the danger of fear, because it causes hate, and hate makes people commit atrocities that cannot be justified or accepted, not even through the scapegoats of our beliefs or ideals. There are fundamentals that we must stick to, and one of them is the respect for life and choice in general.
Another great message that this book carries is about the power that words have, especially when you are a person that other people admire. We have great power to influence, and with great power, come great responsibilities.
This book is as fun as it’s inspirational, as romantic as it is thrilling and as deep and filled with values as it is long. We recommend you to read not only this awesome book, but the entire series. Mark Leslie knows how to entertain, educate and steal a good laughter from his readers. This is an excellently built story with great characters. Top stuff right here. Loved it!!
Pros:
- Excellent narrative
- Excellent romantic plots
- Excellent humor
- Unpredictable plot
- Great character interactions, with exemplary approach
- Great message to pass to the reader
- Entertaining in every way
Cons:
- None
Scribble's Worth 
Leave a comment