What do you think?
Rate this book
Dance with the Devil #2.5
Ruffskin
An ordinary rainy day at the Bremen is interrupted when a strange courier shows up with a package for Peyton Blue, the Bremen's much-loved owner and bartender. When the package turns out to be a piece of Peyton's past and brings that past violently into the present, it is up to Johnnie to resolve a years old problem and put the past where it belongs once and for all.
33 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2012
10 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
281 books2,918 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 16, 2019
*2.5 stars rounded to 3*
July 10, 2013
A fun short story sequel to Derr’s Dance in the Dark. Here, we revisit with the Dracula’s adopted, mystery-solving son Johnnie, his protective bodyguard/love interest Grim, and the rest of the Bremen bar crew as they face a mystery around a missing werewolf, one from lone wolf Peyton’s past.
At around 9,000 words, it’s a pretty quick read, but still very fun to visit again with these characters, especially Johnnie and Grim, who so much love to bicker with each other just as much as they love to make out when they have the chance. I could read a whole other novel with them--I love reading their back-and-forth and totally dig their exasperated chemistry.
I do recommend reading Dance in the Dark before this. It’s a great paranormal romance novel, and you’ll get way more out of this short story if you read that book first.
At around 9,000 words, it’s a pretty quick read, but still very fun to visit again with these characters, especially Johnnie and Grim, who so much love to bicker with each other just as much as they love to make out when they have the chance. I could read a whole other novel with them--I love reading their back-and-forth and totally dig their exasperated chemistry.
I do recommend reading Dance in the Dark before this. It’s a great paranormal romance novel, and you’ll get way more out of this short story if you read that book first.
August 30, 2012
3.5 stars
This sidestory to Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil, #2) is a short case related to the mysterious package sent to Peyton Blue, Bremen's bartender.
It's really good to read Johnnie and Grim again -- and to read how Johnnie can still be grumpy (the story is opened with Johnnie being totally jealous of Grim's ex *grin), while Grim is patiently loving him. I love these two!! Unfortunately, it is not quite long enough story related to Peyton himself (related to his past, to the man he loved). I would love to read more (a spin off?) solely about Peyton.
However, as a side story, this one is quite lovely.
This sidestory to Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil, #2) is a short case related to the mysterious package sent to Peyton Blue, Bremen's bartender.
It's really good to read Johnnie and Grim again -- and to read how Johnnie can still be grumpy (the story is opened with Johnnie being totally jealous of Grim's ex *grin), while Grim is patiently loving him. I love these two!! Unfortunately, it is not quite long enough story related to Peyton himself (related to his past, to the man he loved). I would love to read more (a spin off?) solely about Peyton.
However, as a side story, this one is quite lovely.
March 29, 2012
Full 5 stars
Johnie and Grimm is my favorite couple, so I'm happy to read this. While the story is about Peyton, the wolf who was a bartender in Johnnie's bar, the story follows The couple's actions. There was a mutiny in Peyton's former pack, and his former lover, Hudson, was involved. A very dire crime was committed. It's up to Johnnie and Grimm to solve it.
A beautifully done story. Very dark topic that is seldom found in m/m stories. Yet, the banters and closeness between Johnnie and Grimm are still there and make the story lighter. I love it when they quote Shakespeare!
Kudos to Ms. Derr!
Johnie and Grimm is my favorite couple, so I'm happy to read this. While the story is about Peyton, the wolf who was a bartender in Johnnie's bar, the story follows The couple's actions. There was a mutiny in Peyton's former pack, and his former lover, Hudson, was involved. A very dire crime was committed. It's up to Johnnie and Grimm to solve it.
A beautifully done story. Very dark topic that is seldom found in m/m stories. Yet, the banters and closeness between Johnnie and Grimm are still there and make the story lighter. I love it when they quote Shakespeare!
Kudos to Ms. Derr!
April 8, 2012
Johnnie and Grimm are great, and I was happy to see them again.
This story was theirs even if Peyton and Ruff were reunited again, they just didn't have any real on page time.
Ms Derr dealt with a horrible issue very carefully and with sensitivity.
Definitely recommended for fans of Dance in the Dark.
This story was theirs even if Peyton and Ruff were reunited again, they just didn't have any real on page time.
Ms Derr dealt with a horrible issue very carefully and with sensitivity.
Definitely recommended for fans of Dance in the Dark.
June 1, 2012
Review posted at Brief Encounters Reviews.
The Dance with the Devil series has several books that are only loosely related to one another by worldbuilding, so Ruffskin follows immediately after Dance in the Dark and deals with the same characters. It is important to read that novel first, because this short story does not stand on it's own. All of the character building and relationships are forged in the novel, and I would have been lost if I had not read it first. I was still a bit lost, actually, when I started this. I love this series, but Dance in the Dark was one of my very favorites, and even then I had a hard time remembering which storyline and characters went with which when you compile all of the different plots and characters over the series. But once I was reacquainted, I was so happy to revisit Johnnie and Grim.
Though the blurb makes it seem as if Peyton is the MC in this story, that really isn't the case. As readers of the series will know, in Dance in the Dark each chapter is set up as a new case for Johnnie, orphaned and raised in an extremely powerful vampire family. In the novel, he was wooed by a secret lover in the dark (Grim) while striking away from his family to do what he really loved and what gave him purpose, solving mysteries in the paranormal world.
Ruffskin could easily have fit into the novel as one of those chapters, which are often separate and slowly tying into the overall plot. In the story, we once again see Johnnie and Grim bickering in the bar Johnnie owns, when a delivery man comes with a package for Peyton, the bartender. In the package is a Rolex with the inscription "To Peyt, Love Ruff," sending Petyon into a worried frenzy over an old love and revealing the secrets behind his flee from Pack Blue and his current reason for being a lone wolf given sanctuary on vampire territory. Once again, Johnnie sets off to solve the case, with his "babysitter" Grim tagging along.
This is definitely a story for fans of this series, as you really can't just read this story and understand the characters without the backstory. But it works really well as it is. Johnnie is such a wonderful character. When he could come across as extremely prickly and haughty, having been raised a prince of an empire of vampires who definitely loves his status and all it brings him, he's also at heart empathetic and passionate about those he cares for. Grimm is a character that no one could hate. He's laid back even though one of the most powerful and rare creatures in the world. He's lovable and loyal uses every opportunity to ruffle Johnnie's feathers. They're a great couple and revisiting them here was a treat.
For such a short story, I felt the mystery worked well here. It's not a terribly difficult case for Johnnie to solve, and rightly so at only 9k words. So I wasn't expecting a huge new adventure, and the mystery worked well for me by serving as the reason for all of the old gang in the novel to come back together.
This is definitely a treat for fans of the series, and if you haven't read the series yet, I'd encourage you to. These books are some of my favorites by Megan Derr, though they're all rather different. Reading order will vary by who you talk to, but as long as you read Dance with the Devil and Dance in the Dark in that order, the rest doesn't matter as much. B+
The Dance with the Devil series has several books that are only loosely related to one another by worldbuilding, so Ruffskin follows immediately after Dance in the Dark and deals with the same characters. It is important to read that novel first, because this short story does not stand on it's own. All of the character building and relationships are forged in the novel, and I would have been lost if I had not read it first. I was still a bit lost, actually, when I started this. I love this series, but Dance in the Dark was one of my very favorites, and even then I had a hard time remembering which storyline and characters went with which when you compile all of the different plots and characters over the series. But once I was reacquainted, I was so happy to revisit Johnnie and Grim.
Though the blurb makes it seem as if Peyton is the MC in this story, that really isn't the case. As readers of the series will know, in Dance in the Dark each chapter is set up as a new case for Johnnie, orphaned and raised in an extremely powerful vampire family. In the novel, he was wooed by a secret lover in the dark (Grim) while striking away from his family to do what he really loved and what gave him purpose, solving mysteries in the paranormal world.
Ruffskin could easily have fit into the novel as one of those chapters, which are often separate and slowly tying into the overall plot. In the story, we once again see Johnnie and Grim bickering in the bar Johnnie owns, when a delivery man comes with a package for Peyton, the bartender. In the package is a Rolex with the inscription "To Peyt, Love Ruff," sending Petyon into a worried frenzy over an old love and revealing the secrets behind his flee from Pack Blue and his current reason for being a lone wolf given sanctuary on vampire territory. Once again, Johnnie sets off to solve the case, with his "babysitter" Grim tagging along.
This is definitely a story for fans of this series, as you really can't just read this story and understand the characters without the backstory. But it works really well as it is. Johnnie is such a wonderful character. When he could come across as extremely prickly and haughty, having been raised a prince of an empire of vampires who definitely loves his status and all it brings him, he's also at heart empathetic and passionate about those he cares for. Grimm is a character that no one could hate. He's laid back even though one of the most powerful and rare creatures in the world. He's lovable and loyal uses every opportunity to ruffle Johnnie's feathers. They're a great couple and revisiting them here was a treat.
For such a short story, I felt the mystery worked well here. It's not a terribly difficult case for Johnnie to solve, and rightly so at only 9k words. So I wasn't expecting a huge new adventure, and the mystery worked well for me by serving as the reason for all of the old gang in the novel to come back together.
This is definitely a treat for fans of the series, and if you haven't read the series yet, I'd encourage you to. These books are some of my favorites by Megan Derr, though they're all rather different. Reading order will vary by who you talk to, but as long as you read Dance with the Devil and Dance in the Dark in that order, the rest doesn't matter as much. B+
January 27, 2024
This story happens after book 2 in the series, and I liked it better than Glass Coffin specifically because it's mostly action.
August 2, 2013
In the delightful short story, Ruffskin, Megan Derr once more gives us the delicious dup of Johnny (a near “norml” part time detective that was raised by Vampires) and Grim (yes—the Grim Reaper—collector of souls). I LOVE these two characters—both of which were introduced in their own spectacular book, Dance in the Dark.
When we left Johnny and Grim, they had become a happily established couple, who were deeply in love and quite possibly the feistiest duo around. I was so glad to see Johnny’s penchant for hitting Grim when he got frustrated at him was once again in full force and, of course, Grim’s sanguine response still intact as well! These two not only finished each other’s obscure literary quotes and thoughts with ease—they are, simply put, the most delightful couple to grace the pages of an m/m paranormal romance story ever!
In this the fourth installment of the Dance with the Devil series, Johnny gives aide to his bartender, Peyton, a wolf of the infamous “blue” pack that was featured in one of the stories in the first novel of the series. We come to find out that Peyton was in love with the alpha’s son--that would be the same alpha that Peyton killed, and the reason that Peyton left the pack and sought out Johnny’s father, The Dracula, for shelter and safety.
Hudson, who had been living with his mother is also on the run and may have been the assassin that killed that same mother. Many heinous acts are alluded to in this short story and you must read the novella to understand them more fully. Suffice it to say the “acts” perpetrated by Hudson’s mother is the reason for his being on the run.
In a bizarre turn of events, Hudson’s pack actually wants him back so that he can now become the alpha—only Peyton stands in their way—for they have tracked Hudson’s last known whereabouts to Johnny’s bar after a disguised Hudson drops by to leave something for Peyton. Johnny and Grim take off to find Hudson before his pack.
Ruffskin is a whirlwind tale that really packed a punch! In true Megan Derr fashion, the twists and turns in this story led us from one place to another, continually surprising and delighting us as each new element was exposed! Be forewarned—this is not a standalone story. Unlike the others thus far, this story really hinges on the reading of the second installment in this series in order to make complete sense!
When we left Johnny and Grim, they had become a happily established couple, who were deeply in love and quite possibly the feistiest duo around. I was so glad to see Johnny’s penchant for hitting Grim when he got frustrated at him was once again in full force and, of course, Grim’s sanguine response still intact as well! These two not only finished each other’s obscure literary quotes and thoughts with ease—they are, simply put, the most delightful couple to grace the pages of an m/m paranormal romance story ever!
In this the fourth installment of the Dance with the Devil series, Johnny gives aide to his bartender, Peyton, a wolf of the infamous “blue” pack that was featured in one of the stories in the first novel of the series. We come to find out that Peyton was in love with the alpha’s son--that would be the same alpha that Peyton killed, and the reason that Peyton left the pack and sought out Johnny’s father, The Dracula, for shelter and safety.
Hudson, who had been living with his mother is also on the run and may have been the assassin that killed that same mother. Many heinous acts are alluded to in this short story and you must read the novella to understand them more fully. Suffice it to say the “acts” perpetrated by Hudson’s mother is the reason for his being on the run.
In a bizarre turn of events, Hudson’s pack actually wants him back so that he can now become the alpha—only Peyton stands in their way—for they have tracked Hudson’s last known whereabouts to Johnny’s bar after a disguised Hudson drops by to leave something for Peyton. Johnny and Grim take off to find Hudson before his pack.
Ruffskin is a whirlwind tale that really packed a punch! In true Megan Derr fashion, the twists and turns in this story led us from one place to another, continually surprising and delighting us as each new element was exposed! Be forewarned—this is not a standalone story. Unlike the others thus far, this story really hinges on the reading of the second installment in this series in order to make complete sense!
April 25, 2012
This was a cute little short from the Dance with the Devil series by Megan Derr. Specifically, it is an offshoot of Dance in the Dark where we met Johnnie, the adopted son of the Dracula, and Grimm, his reaper boyfriend. In this short, Peyton Blue, the werewolf bartender of Johnnie's bar, Bremen, is given a Rolex from a mysterious stranger. Johnnie must solve the mystery of the Rolex and find its owner.
This was a good story, although short. I enjoyed it as a medium for giving me more of the characters I loved in Dance in the Dark.
This was a good story, although short. I enjoyed it as a medium for giving me more of the characters I loved in Dance in the Dark.
January 22, 2018
A fun short story since I'm still not ready to let go of the points of view of Johnnie and Grim. Prince Charming was a well done and brief short story as well, but it was mainly an erotic scene tossed in. With Ruffskin there is the story as well with Peyton and pack Blue, we get The Dracula a few times (would love a full length with him, especially if it involved Phil.) The backstory behind the pack struggles is quite dark and not usually plot device used. It was fun to see stuffy Johnny and Grim again, especially in the bar setting. If only there could be one more novel with them as the focus at least. *sighs*
March 29, 2012
A strange figure comes into Bremen looking for the bartender, Peyton. Now Johnnie is tracking the stranger to solve a mystery that goes back to Peyton's old pack.
This short story is the perfect little quick read and follows Dance in the Dark nicely.
*You need to read Dance in the Dark before reading Ruffskin
This short story is the perfect little quick read and follows Dance in the Dark nicely.
*You need to read Dance in the Dark before reading Ruffskin
March 30, 2012
This was AWESOME. Loved seeing Johnnie and Grim again. :)
March 14, 2023
Sort of a case follow up in the Bremen as Peyton's past comes back to haunt him and Johnnie sets out to help.
It was evident from the previous book that Peyton left his pack under bad circumstances, but he is trusted and accepted in the territory he lives in now. When someone he loved comes into the territory and brings the pack following behind Peyton is left needing to tell Johnnie all that happened to try and protect the man he once loved. A short case with some horrors from the past but some hope for the future, it was a sweet read that also allows a check in to these characters.
It was evident from the previous book that Peyton left his pack under bad circumstances, but he is trusted and accepted in the territory he lives in now. When someone he loved comes into the territory and brings the pack following behind Peyton is left needing to tell Johnnie all that happened to try and protect the man he once loved. A short case with some horrors from the past but some hope for the future, it was a sweet read that also allows a check in to these characters.
March 1, 2023
This is a nice bonus case/chapter for Dance in the Dark and doesn't work as a standalone story in my opinion. It's told in Johnnie's PoV like the other cases and definitely spoils some things from book 2. It's certainly worth the read for anyone who liked the earlier book but I wouldn't really recommend to others.
March 22, 2019
3.5 stars This is a little novella where we get to read a bit more with Johnnie and Grimm, but the main character is Peyton, the bartender where Johnnie lives.
It's a very quick read that gives us some of Peyton's background of why he left his pack and gives us a tidbit more of the world the author has created.
It's a very quick read that gives us some of Peyton's background of why he left his pack and gives us a tidbit more of the world the author has created.
June 9, 2022
You might think this is a book about Peyton, but fortunately it is another Johnnie and Grim story where we see their dynamic after they officially got together. I always love to see couples face challenges after they feel like their relationship is on the right path.
July 25, 2025
This one doesn't really stand alone. You do need to at least read book 2 to understand what's going on. I would have been happy to have a bit more fleshed out plot, but the mystery and resolution was just enough to satisfy.
May 25, 2018
Short but sweet
A short read but a good one. Truly enjoyable to know more about peyton. I highly recommend this book to others who have enjoyed the previous books in this series
A short read but a good one. Truly enjoyable to know more about peyton. I highly recommend this book to others who have enjoyed the previous books in this series
October 11, 2022
4 stars
Good short story that gives Peyton his HEA.
It's fun and short - would have like more from them but it is what it is.
Good short story that gives Peyton his HEA.
It's fun and short - would have like more from them but it is what it is.
June 26, 2023
Entertaining short story about Johnny and Grim trying to find a werewolf in hiding.
Read
January 11, 2025Peyton and Ruff
Johnnie and Grim reunite their friend with his past and kick some butt
Johnnie and Grim reunite their friend with his past and kick some butt
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
It was nice to see Peyton reconnect with the love of his life. I liked this one better than Kipling's story, but I was really surprised by the very dark content. It probably should have come with a trigger warning and seems more appropriate for a longer story that could deal more with such a serious matter.
January 28, 2021
If you want to read a story about Peyton's love life this ain't it. This is the story of the mystery about Peyton's old lover reappearance and completion of an old promise than anything else.
Don't get me wrong Peyton and Ruff end up together but it fades to black with no details given. It's more a continuation of Johnnie and Bergrin's story than Peyton's, pity 'cos I liked Peyton and I'd have loved to read a short story for his HEA.
Don't get me wrong Peyton and Ruff end up together but it fades to black with no details given. It's more a continuation of Johnnie and Bergrin's story than Peyton's, pity 'cos I liked Peyton and I'd have loved to read a short story for his HEA.
July 14, 2012
Rating: 5 stars
It is a typical night at The Bremmer, it’s pouring outside and Johnny is arguing with Grimm inside over an alleged flirtation at a party they just left. A messenger interrupts them looking for Peyton Blue, the werewolf coowner and bartender of The Bremmer. The strange courier has a package to deliver, one that has an immediate effect on their beloved barkeep. When Grimm chases after the courier, he disappears under a magical spell.
The package is from Peyton’s past, bringing with it bloody memories and a death sentence. It is up to Johnny and Grimm to find the messenger, and finish the conflict started years ago when Peyton still belonged in the Blue Pack.
Ruffskin is a short story that follows the characters of Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil #2), Johnny Goodnight and his boyfriend/guard Grimm, and their friend Peyton Blue, a werewolf. Without reading Dance in the Dark, you will miss the backstory on all the characters involved in the case here which would be a mistake and leave you confused as to the elements involved in Ruffskin. That said, this is a marvelous addition to that universe. Most of the denizens of The Bremmer, local bar and hangout, have interesting pasts and it’s bartender and owner is no different.
Of course, it is a dark and stormy night that brings Peyton’s past home to him, a past he has tried so very hard to forget and one that could cause his death. Johnny Goodnight is none other than John Derossiers, son of The Dracula Derossiers who rules the territory they live in. When the mystery and conflict from Peyton’s past intrudes on the bar and his father’s land, Johnny is called in to investigate and solve the problem. And what a problem it is. A dreadful dark secret that is at the heart of the chaos in the Blue werewolf pack. This is a very sensitive subject matter that Megan Derr gives a delicate and compassionate treatment, identifying the matter through the use of a poem instead of outright stating the nature of the abuse. Simply and elegantly done.
Ruffskin contains all the usual elements I have come to expect from Megan Derr. Great characterizations, smart dialog and a storyline that keeps the reader engaged right to the end. Ruffskin is listed as the fourth book in the Dance With The Devil series but the author states at the beginning that this story fits in right after the second book as I have noted above. While Midnight could almost be read as a stand alone (it figures into the books that follow it), the first three books should be read in the order I have indicated below:
Dance With The Devil (DWTD#1) – see my review at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Dance In The Dark (DWTD#2) – see my review at the site above.
Ruffskin (DWTD#4)
Midnight (DWTD#3) – see my review at the site listed above.
Cover: Again another gorgeous cover by London Burden in keeping with the series and containing a simple graphic of a object center to the storyline.
It is a typical night at The Bremmer, it’s pouring outside and Johnny is arguing with Grimm inside over an alleged flirtation at a party they just left. A messenger interrupts them looking for Peyton Blue, the werewolf coowner and bartender of The Bremmer. The strange courier has a package to deliver, one that has an immediate effect on their beloved barkeep. When Grimm chases after the courier, he disappears under a magical spell.
The package is from Peyton’s past, bringing with it bloody memories and a death sentence. It is up to Johnny and Grimm to find the messenger, and finish the conflict started years ago when Peyton still belonged in the Blue Pack.
Ruffskin is a short story that follows the characters of Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil #2), Johnny Goodnight and his boyfriend/guard Grimm, and their friend Peyton Blue, a werewolf. Without reading Dance in the Dark, you will miss the backstory on all the characters involved in the case here which would be a mistake and leave you confused as to the elements involved in Ruffskin. That said, this is a marvelous addition to that universe. Most of the denizens of The Bremmer, local bar and hangout, have interesting pasts and it’s bartender and owner is no different.
Of course, it is a dark and stormy night that brings Peyton’s past home to him, a past he has tried so very hard to forget and one that could cause his death. Johnny Goodnight is none other than John Derossiers, son of The Dracula Derossiers who rules the territory they live in. When the mystery and conflict from Peyton’s past intrudes on the bar and his father’s land, Johnny is called in to investigate and solve the problem. And what a problem it is. A dreadful dark secret that is at the heart of the chaos in the Blue werewolf pack. This is a very sensitive subject matter that Megan Derr gives a delicate and compassionate treatment, identifying the matter through the use of a poem instead of outright stating the nature of the abuse. Simply and elegantly done.
Ruffskin contains all the usual elements I have come to expect from Megan Derr. Great characterizations, smart dialog and a storyline that keeps the reader engaged right to the end. Ruffskin is listed as the fourth book in the Dance With The Devil series but the author states at the beginning that this story fits in right after the second book as I have noted above. While Midnight could almost be read as a stand alone (it figures into the books that follow it), the first three books should be read in the order I have indicated below:
Dance With The Devil (DWTD#1) – see my review at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Dance In The Dark (DWTD#2) – see my review at the site above.
Ruffskin (DWTD#4)
Midnight (DWTD#3) – see my review at the site listed above.
Cover: Again another gorgeous cover by London Burden in keeping with the series and containing a simple graphic of a object center to the storyline.
February 28, 2014
Peyton Blue, the bartender of the Bremen, has been on the outs with his old pack for some time--mostly because he decided to curb his Alpha's malicious tendencies by killing him, and all the Alpha Candidates. It solved the problem quite handily, but got him a death sentence. To avoid getting dead, by wolfy means, Peyton ran to the Dracula Desrosiers' territory and took up bar tending. Unfortunately he left some unfinished business--and an unfinished romance--back in Pack Blue territory. And now it seems that it has come back to bite him.
This short story is technically book four in Megan Derr's Dance with the Devil series (I've always felt that Midnight was more of a prequel, but it is still listed as #3 in the series), and revisits the MCs of Dance in the Dark as they seek to help out their friend Peyton. I highly recommend that you read Dance in the Dark before reading this short story as it is a tad spoilery.
I really glad I finally got around to reading this short, since it is the only one I haven't read yet in this series. While the mystery revolves around Peyton, the main relationship is still focused on Johnnie and , his lover. I absolutely love these two (though honestly there are very few people in this series that I don't) and it was great seeing them interact after the close of their story in book two.
As this is a short story, the mystery was wrapped up quite quickly (at 33 pages, there isn't a whole lot that isn't done quickly) but, as always, Derr is great at making sure that story feels complete no matter how many pages it takes to do it. And, as always, I wish there was more for me to read, because I would really love to see Ruff and Peyton interact a lot more. I think they have a great story, so part of my wishes that this had been told from Peyton's pov (even though I love Johnnie).
Just a really good short story, and another great addition to the series. I'm really thinking about going back and rereading Johnnies original story because there is a lot that I can't quite remember about him and his love that will be a lot of fun to rediscover. Granted, then I will probably end up reading the whole series all over again. Darn. :P
This short story is technically book four in Megan Derr's Dance with the Devil series (I've always felt that Midnight was more of a prequel, but it is still listed as #3 in the series), and revisits the MCs of Dance in the Dark as they seek to help out their friend Peyton. I highly recommend that you read Dance in the Dark before reading this short story as it is a tad spoilery.
I really glad I finally got around to reading this short, since it is the only one I haven't read yet in this series. While the mystery revolves around Peyton, the main relationship is still focused on Johnnie and , his lover. I absolutely love these two (though honestly there are very few people in this series that I don't) and it was great seeing them interact after the close of their story in book two.
As this is a short story, the mystery was wrapped up quite quickly (at 33 pages, there isn't a whole lot that isn't done quickly) but, as always, Derr is great at making sure that story feels complete no matter how many pages it takes to do it. And, as always, I wish there was more for me to read, because I would really love to see Ruff and Peyton interact a lot more. I think they have a great story, so part of my wishes that this had been told from Peyton's pov (even though I love Johnnie).
Just a really good short story, and another great addition to the series. I'm really thinking about going back and rereading Johnnies original story because there is a lot that I can't quite remember about him and his love that will be a lot of fun to rediscover. Granted, then I will probably end up reading the whole series all over again. Darn. :P
July 18, 2012
That's interesting. . . The first non-4-star rating average in the series. I'm very intrigued now. Maybe I'll bump this up my reading list. What's even more interesting is that Ms Derr has repeated the mains for another book. Huh.
-------
I loved this book. Adored it. As much as every other "Dance" .book
It was so short and I was so distraught upon finishing it that I even tried tricking myself into believing that I had a faulty copy and really, it was a Lord-of-the-Rings-length novel.
And no, as unfortunate as it may seem, it isn't.
It is a short but incredibly fun, sweet and beautiful window into Johnnie and Grimm's life a while after Dance with the Dark.
While it featured some adorable jealousy and sexy flashbacks to mind-blowing sex in all sorts of places (aka Grimm's apartment. Against a book shelf.), it also dealt with a much darker, more sensitive topic which very few authors dare to touch.
And Ms Derr did it beautifully, hinting at the it's nature through her lyrical writing and witty quotes while also treating it with respectful sensitivity. A perfect balance.
She truly did a wonderful job with this short story.
Recommended to all those who enjoy this genre, and especially the Dance with the Devil series. I recommend -no- insist that you read Dance in the Dark before touching this novel.
-------
I loved this book. Adored it. As much as every other "Dance" .book
It was so short and I was so distraught upon finishing it that I even tried tricking myself into believing that I had a faulty copy and really, it was a Lord-of-the-Rings-length novel.
And no, as unfortunate as it may seem, it isn't.
It is a short but incredibly fun, sweet and beautiful window into Johnnie and Grimm's life a while after Dance with the Dark.
While it featured some adorable jealousy and sexy flashbacks to mind-blowing sex in all sorts of places (aka Grimm's apartment. Against a book shelf.), it also dealt with a much darker, more sensitive topic which very few authors dare to touch.
And Ms Derr did it beautifully, hinting at the it's nature through her lyrical writing and witty quotes while also treating it with respectful sensitivity. A perfect balance.
She truly did a wonderful job with this short story.
Recommended to all those who enjoy this genre, and especially the Dance with the Devil series. I recommend -no- insist that you read Dance in the Dark before touching this novel.
April 12, 2012
4 Hearts
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
A stranger leaves a parcel for Peyton, who then reacts badly to seeing it. Johnnie and Grim set out to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is a great little short story for those of us who are fans of Johnnie and Grim. Johnnie and Grim come to the aid of Peyton when a parcel is delivered and a mystery begins. Peyton ends up being attacked by members of his former pack, as they look for the Alpha Candidate. and the alpha candidate has fled them for a very good reason. Hudson has a good reason for fleeing his pack and with the Dracula upholding his laws, Hudson and Peyton might just be free.
Even though this story is for Peyton and Hudson and the start of their life together after the mystery is solved, this story is actually from Johnnie’s POV and it also gives us a glimpse once more into the lives of Johnnie and Grim. I must advise reading Dance In The Dark first, as that gives you the entire background into Johnnie and Grim. This story is a wonderful catch-up on what Johnnie and Grim are doing now and shows us that they are still helping their friends solve mysteries and Johnnie’s penchant for fairy tales.
I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, mysteries/sleuthing and a great ending for all involved.
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
A stranger leaves a parcel for Peyton, who then reacts badly to seeing it. Johnnie and Grim set out to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is a great little short story for those of us who are fans of Johnnie and Grim. Johnnie and Grim come to the aid of Peyton when a parcel is delivered and a mystery begins. Peyton ends up being attacked by members of his former pack, as they look for the Alpha Candidate. and the alpha candidate has fled them for a very good reason. Hudson has a good reason for fleeing his pack and with the Dracula upholding his laws, Hudson and Peyton might just be free.
Even though this story is for Peyton and Hudson and the start of their life together after the mystery is solved, this story is actually from Johnnie’s POV and it also gives us a glimpse once more into the lives of Johnnie and Grim. I must advise reading Dance In The Dark first, as that gives you the entire background into Johnnie and Grim. This story is a wonderful catch-up on what Johnnie and Grim are doing now and shows us that they are still helping their friends solve mysteries and Johnnie’s penchant for fairy tales.
I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, mysteries/sleuthing and a great ending for all involved.
December 21, 2014
Ruffskin IS book IV in the series, but it comes right after Dance in the Dark. As it says in the very beginning of Ruffskin: "Ruffskin takes place after Dance in the Dark, and is best read after that story."
I don't know when the books were published, but chronologically Midnight should come first, then Dance with the Devil, then Dance in the Dark, then Ruffskin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews