2nd EditionAn Aloysius TaleSammy Raphael is a crappy witch, and on top of that, he can’t seem to get a boyfriend. Where other supernaturals can bring down lightning and manifest wealth, Sammy can paint. Granted, the “prophetic” paintings he creates at night always come true, but they never predict anything important. Sammy feels like a total loser with a worthless ability. One night he paints a … like a total loser with a worthless ability.
One night he paints a gorgeous guy who turns out to be his secret crush, the human Ryder, but Ryder’s changed so much he’s almost unrecognizably beautiful. Then Sammy paints an angel who turns out to be a witch. But is that witch also a devil-a devil who can bring down Sammy’s whole community and everyone he loves? And why the hell does Ryder keep changing? Aloysius, the black cat familiar, always backs a winner. So why is he backing Sammy?
First Edition published by Loose Id, 2012.
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Love Sammy and Ryder. Insecurities, secrets, and families almost keep them from finding true love. I really like this series, the storyline is great and the characters are phenomenal.
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Aloysius Tales, and it would really HELP to read book one, Spell Cat, first. Not totally necessary, more a help, is all.
Sammy is a low-level witch, able to paint prophetic paintings that come true. One day he paints a gorgeous guy, the next and angel and then things turn scary for Sammy. Ryder has lusted after Sammy for a long time, but his time is running out. When Sammy and his friends are entranced by a witch, he knows he has to make a move. But can Sammy’s power save the Witch Master, and his whole community?
I enjoyed this, greatly, but not quite as much as Spell Cat.
I liked that Sammy, Ryder and Lucien all had a say. I liked that Ryder had his *MINE* moment, that you usually get with shifters, but not with witches, But then again….oh…nope, spoilers!
I loved the way Sammy’s power manifested itself, right when it was needed, and he didn’t even realise!
I loved that Sammy’s heart was telling him no to Lucien, but his body wasn’t, and that Sammy fought his body with his heart, cos Sammy does love Ryder, that much is apparent, right from the start.
I must admit to being surprised at Ryder and his background, it did not play out like I thought it would, so well played there, Ms Lain!
Al, bless him, makes it clear who he is backing and it ain’t Lucien! Sammy and Ryder are his current favs unless Killian (book one) is about.
Now, I thought these were NEW books, but it appears they are re-releases. Whether they have been altered a lot or a little, I don’t know but I DO know that book 3 is all about Aloysius and I look forward to getting my grubby little mitts on that!
4 very, VERY good stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sammy is a witch that feels like his powers are pretty weak and useless. So, he paints things when he sleeps that come true but there hasn’t been anything important, in his mind. When he realizes that his friend and secret crush has changed over the summer, Sammy knows that he has to make changes if he will ever get over the crush. With Aloysius deciding to move in with him, Sammy tries to change his life. Ryder has secrets within secrets that leaves him stuck when it comes to living his life the way he wants.
Well, this story will cause you to mutter while you read it as you figure out what is happening then leave you gasping. You will be left shocked at the revelations that happen.
Sammy Raphael may be a crappy witch but he is a fabulous artist and a heck of a nice guy. Everybody loves him but nobody loves him. In this story we watch as Sammy grows into his power and finds love is his most potent power. This is a sweet and charming paranormal romance that will leave you with lots to think about.
Brush with Catastrophe is just as fun to read as the first book in this series.
Sammy and Ryder are interesting characters, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. They are well rounded, and between them and the secondary characters, this storyline and the next book’s setup are drawn along flawlessly.
The sexy times are quite hot, and the HEA is believable and satisfying.
Characters from Spell Cat play an essential part in this offering. It’s like meeting up with some old friends while getting to know some new ones. Everyone has a purpose, and I enjoyed their time on the page just as much as Sammy and Ryder’s.
I like the premise and the execution of the piece. There is a nice flow from scene to scene, and the colorful descriptors put me into their world. This author brings a fresh look to these magical beings, and it works wonderfully.
I look forward to more from this author.
This book was even better than the first book, Spell Cat, in the Aloysius Tales! And I’m not even sure how that is possible.
The world of witches, (both good and bad, strong and weak), was filled with intrigue, tension, emotion and art. There are times when you’re definitely not sure where the plot is headed.
As with all books by Tara Lain, you have scenes where the sexual tension wraps you in its grip and you find your reading speed accelerating!
The characters range from sympathetic to complex to evil. Bridging the two books will fill you with more details about some you’ve known previously and now love even more.
Once again, Aloysius plays a part in the story line and the outcome. I’m hoping this series go on and on for a long, long time.
Oh wow I so wasn’t expecting that turn of events. Ryder and Sammy have secrets and they love each other but they weren’t aware of the other feelings. When Sammy live is at risk Ryder can’t stay away anymore and starts a relationship with Sammy.
Sammy has a power he doesn’t understand and that he thinks is useless until it isn’t and is the thing that saves them all. He feels his love interest is one sided and he thinks he’s worthless as a witch and as a person. That’s the reason he’s so vulnerable to the villain in the story and gets tangled in his hunger for power. Sammy starts to have a bad feeling about Lucien and only Ryder’s connection with him an Aloysius helps him resist him to fully succumb to being totally controlled.
I really loved the story and the elves and I can’t wait for the next book to find what happened with Aloysius.