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Sam Quinn #1
The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar
Welcome to The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar. I’m Sam Quinn, the werewolf book nerd in charge. I run my business by one simple rule: Everyone needs a good book and a stiff drink, be they vampire, wicche, demon, or fae. No wolves, though. Ever. I have my reasons.
I serve the supernatural community of San Francisco. We’ve been having some problems lately. Okay, I’m the one with the problems. The broken body of a female werewolf washed up on my doorstep. What makes sweat pool at the base of my spine, though, is realizing the scars she bears are identical to the ones I conceal. After hiding for years, I’ve been found.
A protection I’ve been relying on is gone. While my wolf traits are strengthening steadily, the loss also left my mind vulnerable to attack. Someone is ensnaring me in horrifying visions intended to kill. Clive, the sexy vampire Master of the City, has figured out how to pull me out, designating himself by personal bodyguard. He’s grumpy about it, but that kiss is telling a different story. A change is taking place. It has to. The bookish bartender must become the fledgling badass.
I’m a survivor. I’ll fight fang and claw to protect myself and the ones I love. And let’s face it, they have it coming.
I serve the supernatural community of San Francisco. We’ve been having some problems lately. Okay, I’m the one with the problems. The broken body of a female werewolf washed up on my doorstep. What makes sweat pool at the base of my spine, though, is realizing the scars she bears are identical to the ones I conceal. After hiding for years, I’ve been found.
A protection I’ve been relying on is gone. While my wolf traits are strengthening steadily, the loss also left my mind vulnerable to attack. Someone is ensnaring me in horrifying visions intended to kill. Clive, the sexy vampire Master of the City, has figured out how to pull me out, designating himself by personal bodyguard. He’s grumpy about it, but that kiss is telling a different story. A change is taking place. It has to. The bookish bartender must become the fledgling badass.
I’m a survivor. I’ll fight fang and claw to protect myself and the ones I love. And let’s face it, they have it coming.
317 pages, ebook
First published September 24, 2020
691 people are currently reading
2515 people want to read
About the author
Seana Kelly
18 books433 followersShe lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one fish. When she's not dodging her family, hiding in the garage and trying to write, she's working as a high school teacher-librarian. She's an avid reader and re-reader who misses her favorite characters when it's been too long between visits.
She's represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency
She's represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
May 4, 2022
I made it something like 15% before I'm bailing. I have two problems with it. Two and a half. The half is that Sam is a giant downer. She has cause enough, don't get me wrong. The victim of torture and rape, she's often caught up in her own head, struggling to trust anybody and very conscious of her space. It's constant and it is wearing me out. It probably wouldn't be so bad if I weren't struggling with my internal paladin, unable to give her safety and any comfort she could take. I hate that she doesn't feel safe, even among friends and that I can't do anything about it.
The other two? Okay, well first, we have these headspace things that are attacking her. They're described in full and in first person. So we get a front row seat to her torture and even death. And then she wakes up. I hate this as a literary device. It ramps up emotion because very dire things happen to our protagonist. But it also means that I can't trust that any dire thing happening isn't just the next dream sequence. And by the time I stopped, we'd had two (unless another, earlier thing turns out to be related) and I'm wondering if this isn't semi-disguised torture porn.
The second is that we've now had a scene where Sam does an extremely stupid thing for dumb, made-up-sounding reasons. She's safe. A friendly probably-dragon (she's so cool, I nearly fell in love with the story right here) is working on her big protection thingy. And she decides to just take off to get drinks and a snack. Because why? She knows she is vulnerable and being hunted. Leaving makes the person working on her stuff vulnerable because she leaves the door unlocked (still a dragon, but leaving the door unlocked! Bad form). That person is too busy to want a drink. And Sam is tired enough that the most sensible thing she could possibly do is curl up for a nap now that she is as safe as she has ever been with a freaking dragon giving her sanctuary! So when she runs into a mustache-twirling bad guy I'd had enough. This feels so manipulated I kind of hate the story, now.
So torture porn in a story I've come to hate. I think a DNF is best for both of us at this point.
The other two? Okay, well first, we have these headspace things that are attacking her. They're described in full and in first person. So we get a front row seat to her torture and even death. And then she wakes up. I hate this as a literary device. It ramps up emotion because very dire things happen to our protagonist. But it also means that I can't trust that any dire thing happening isn't just the next dream sequence. And by the time I stopped, we'd had two (unless another, earlier thing turns out to be related) and I'm wondering if this isn't semi-disguised torture porn.
The second is that we've now had a scene where Sam does an extremely stupid thing for dumb, made-up-sounding reasons. She's safe. A friendly probably-dragon (she's so cool, I nearly fell in love with the story right here) is working on her big protection thingy. And she decides to just take off to get drinks and a snack. Because why? She knows she is vulnerable and being hunted. Leaving makes the person working on her stuff vulnerable because she leaves the door unlocked (still a dragon, but leaving the door unlocked! Bad form). That person is too busy to want a drink. And Sam is tired enough that the most sensible thing she could possibly do is curl up for a nap now that she is as safe as she has ever been with a freaking dragon giving her sanctuary! So when she runs into a mustache-twirling bad guy I'd had enough. This feels so manipulated I kind of hate the story, now.
So torture porn in a story I've come to hate. I think a DNF is best for both of us at this point.
September 1, 2020
THE SLAUGHTERED LAMB BOOKSTORE AND BAR by Seana Kelly is first book in the Sam Quinn urban fantasy series. The protagonist, Samantha (Sam) Quinn, is a werewolf book nerd and runs a combination bookstore and bar for the supernatural community of San Francisco. Well, almost all of the supernatural community. No other werewolves are allowed. When a female werewolf is found dead immediately outside her establishment and she is covered in scars identical to Sam’s, things begin to rapidly escalate.
Sam is a likeable character who is definitely someone you can root for. She is complex, scarred, unique, honest, witty, but somewhat aloof. The main secondary characters enhanced the story and their depth was built as the story progressed. The world-building was excellent. By the end of the book, Sam has become a strong protagonist and I expect she will grow even more in book two of the series. Themes include murder, relationships, power, secrets, assaults, friendship, trust, protection, romance and much more. While this story line has a romance component and there is a steamy scene near the end of the book, that is not the main theme.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining urban fantasy with plenty of action and a great start to a new series. There are some unusual plot twists. If you are a fan of urban fantasies or paranormal romances and want to start a new series, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Independent Publishers Group – NYLA and Seana Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Sam is a likeable character who is definitely someone you can root for. She is complex, scarred, unique, honest, witty, but somewhat aloof. The main secondary characters enhanced the story and their depth was built as the story progressed. The world-building was excellent. By the end of the book, Sam has become a strong protagonist and I expect she will grow even more in book two of the series. Themes include murder, relationships, power, secrets, assaults, friendship, trust, protection, romance and much more. While this story line has a romance component and there is a steamy scene near the end of the book, that is not the main theme.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining urban fantasy with plenty of action and a great start to a new series. There are some unusual plot twists. If you are a fan of urban fantasies or paranormal romances and want to start a new series, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Independent Publishers Group – NYLA and Seana Kelly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
April 17, 2022
The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar
(Sam Quinn #1)
by Seana Kelly
This is a great supernatural romance novel. We have a gal that was from a witch, but when her mom died, she can't remember too much about it. She didn't know her mom was a witch. Our gal had previously been attacked by a werewolf so she has some PTSD issues.
She opens a bar and bookstore but the lower level of the place only the supernatural can see the entrance. She hangs out with all kinds of creatures such as vampires, weres, witches, demons, and there is even a dragon!
Her protective pendant her mother made for her is first broken then stolen. Then someone starts stalking and trying to attack her. Her friends try to help.
It's a wild ride and full of unpredictable situations but has romantic moments too. I like a gal that can can come back from low places in their lives and kick butt! Not a lot of sex but nice romance.
Narration was excellent! Definitely following this series!
(Sam Quinn #1)
by Seana Kelly
This is a great supernatural romance novel. We have a gal that was from a witch, but when her mom died, she can't remember too much about it. She didn't know her mom was a witch. Our gal had previously been attacked by a werewolf so she has some PTSD issues.
She opens a bar and bookstore but the lower level of the place only the supernatural can see the entrance. She hangs out with all kinds of creatures such as vampires, weres, witches, demons, and there is even a dragon!
Her protective pendant her mother made for her is first broken then stolen. Then someone starts stalking and trying to attack her. Her friends try to help.
It's a wild ride and full of unpredictable situations but has romantic moments too. I like a gal that can can come back from low places in their lives and kick butt! Not a lot of sex but nice romance.
Narration was excellent! Definitely following this series!
October 25, 2021
2.5
It’s getting more and more difficult reading a UF novel that is either fresh or exceptional. This book wasn’t the exception, but in a field washed away by self published novels with no talent, it was at least good enough.
If the characters in themselves weren’t an absolute novelty, the plot was somewhat fresh (well it’s UF so the h has to be unique...) and had that much stopping power to have me read it in one sitting.
There were some pretty confused moment/scenes for me and the romance thread needed either some thought (otherwise it lacks a foundation) or be less vivid (so developing in next book maybe). But overall I enjoyed myself.
As a personal note. Someone should really say to authors that world building is way more than changing the spelling of a word... It’s highly irritating for me when they only “create” an “alternative” (aka fake) spelling and call it a day (and so highlight the both the lack of WB and experience..).
Yes, Tolkien did it. He did also create a world and a language...
It’s getting more and more difficult reading a UF novel that is either fresh or exceptional. This book wasn’t the exception, but in a field washed away by self published novels with no talent, it was at least good enough.
If the characters in themselves weren’t an absolute novelty, the plot was somewhat fresh (well it’s UF so the h has to be unique...) and had that much stopping power to have me read it in one sitting.
There were some pretty confused moment/scenes for me and the romance thread needed either some thought (otherwise it lacks a foundation) or be less vivid (so developing in next book maybe). But overall I enjoyed myself.
As a personal note. Someone should really say to authors that world building is way more than changing the spelling of a word... It’s highly irritating for me when they only “create” an “alternative” (aka fake) spelling and call it a day (and so highlight the both the lack of WB and experience..).
Yes, Tolkien did it. He did also create a world and a language...
June 25, 2021
I struggled with this one a little.
I didn't dislike it, but I struggled with the constant attempted murder - I swear she had 2-3 attempts on her life per day - and the way people like that store lady just hated her utterly without ever having met her.
And I struggled with how, given all that, she still would do things like take walks alone at night. It was a bit TSTL.
I am giving her the benefit of the doubt, though, for a couple reasons. First, this is apparently a brand-new thing - she's lived here 7 years and it hasn't happened before, so she's caught by surprise. Second, Maybe. I'm willing to see where the next books goes, anyway.
I didn't dislike it, but I struggled with the constant attempted murder - I swear she had 2-3 attempts on her life per day - and the way people like that store lady just hated her utterly without ever having met her.
And I struggled with how, given all that, she still would do things like take walks alone at night. It was a bit TSTL.
I am giving her the benefit of the doubt, though, for a couple reasons. First, this is apparently a brand-new thing - she's lived here 7 years and it hasn't happened before, so she's caught by surprise. Second, Maybe. I'm willing to see where the next books goes, anyway.
September 16, 2021
Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, dragons, selkie...I think there was a mermaid.
There is a good story buried somewhere in this book but it gets lost in a cacophony of distractions. Strip away some of that and focus on the central story and I can see this being 4 Stars, maybe even 5 Stars.
The love story between Sam and Clive was probably about right if you come to the book looking for Paranormal Romance, but it is a bit too much if you are after an Urban Fantasy.
Overall it was OK and I might read book two at some point in the future. Not sure yet.
There is a good story buried somewhere in this book but it gets lost in a cacophony of distractions. Strip away some of that and focus on the central story and I can see this being 4 Stars, maybe even 5 Stars.
The love story between Sam and Clive was probably about right if you come to the book looking for Paranormal Romance, but it is a bit too much if you are after an Urban Fantasy.
Overall it was OK and I might read book two at some point in the future. Not sure yet.
July 14, 2020
Sam is a lone Wolf running a bookstore and bar. She’s been living in San Francisco for the past seven years following a savage attack that left her traumatised and forever changed. Sam bares scars both inside and out keeping others away but when dead women start turning up outside her bar she recognises familiar wounds that echo her own. Suddenly Sam is constantly being attacked both physically and indeed mentally. She may have kept others at bay but Clive the Vampire Master of the City won’t allow anyone to hurt the broken Wolf who has nursed herself back to health. The trouble is with suddenly so many attack’s just how many enemies does Sam really have and just what is so special about her ?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its slight undercurrent of romance and really fun supporting characters. I do have a couple of quibbles though, firstly Clive whilst obviously confident and decisive just didn’t have that certain something that other Alpha heroes have. I loved that he would happily go as slow as possible to earn Sams trust but when I compared him to say Ilona Andrews Curran or even Thea Harrison’s Dragos he just didn’t feel as dynamic and powerful. My second niggle was just how often Sam was attacked and honestly I could feel myself rolling eyes thinking oh no not again !
Sam however is a joy to read about as she slowly embraces the fact that she can be fearsome and not just fearful. She has a good heart, can be snarky and witty but most of all she truly grows into her own skin as this story progresses which was a joy to read. I will say that the explanation about female Werewolves and how that affects Sam came pretty late in the book and felt as if the author had suddenly realised that she hadn’t explained it so needed to info drop because yes it would have worked better if readers knew that particular nugget much sooner.
So all in all I did enjoy this story and there is closure of a sort here but Sam and Clive clearly still have battles to fight which I very much look forward to. If you enjoy urban fantasy or even paranormal romance then this book should certainly see you whiling away a few very happy hours reading , enjoy !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its slight undercurrent of romance and really fun supporting characters. I do have a couple of quibbles though, firstly Clive whilst obviously confident and decisive just didn’t have that certain something that other Alpha heroes have. I loved that he would happily go as slow as possible to earn Sams trust but when I compared him to say Ilona Andrews Curran or even Thea Harrison’s Dragos he just didn’t feel as dynamic and powerful. My second niggle was just how often Sam was attacked and honestly I could feel myself rolling eyes thinking oh no not again !
Sam however is a joy to read about as she slowly embraces the fact that she can be fearsome and not just fearful. She has a good heart, can be snarky and witty but most of all she truly grows into her own skin as this story progresses which was a joy to read. I will say that the explanation about female Werewolves and how that affects Sam came pretty late in the book and felt as if the author had suddenly realised that she hadn’t explained it so needed to info drop because yes it would have worked better if readers knew that particular nugget much sooner.
So all in all I did enjoy this story and there is closure of a sort here but Sam and Clive clearly still have battles to fight which I very much look forward to. If you enjoy urban fantasy or even paranormal romance then this book should certainly see you whiling away a few very happy hours reading , enjoy !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 30, 2021
2.5 stars. I had high hopes of this interesting title. I had lost those hopes by end of 2nd chapter. The writing lacked coherence, odd plot with few connections between the odd characters. Worse were the holes in the plot - she had been attacked and the guys continued to drop her outside late at night? I kept hoping it would get better, it didn't.
July 4, 2020
Urban Fantasy is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine - I’m reading a lot less of it now as it can get rather samey, but it was just what I needed after overdoing the police procedurals recently. This one was lots of fun with echoes of the very early Anita Blake (before they got all porny) and Sookie Stackhouse series.
The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore & Bar is the first in a new series about Sam Quinn, a lone werewolf who lives in San Francisco, avoiding her own kind since being brutally raped, turned, tortured and almost killed seven years earlier.
She runs a bar for paranormal creatures, which has two amazing features - a plate glass window looking out at the ocean, which is submerged at high tide, and a built-in bookshop. When an unprovoked attack removes the magical protection bestowed by her mother before she died, Sam finds herself being targeted by unknown enemies for no apparent reason. Will the timid wolf find her claws in time to save herself?
This was was a hugely enjoyable read that sits on the right side of the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. While there is a romance plotline - and you know as soon as gorgeous British vampire Clive is introduced who the love interest will be - it’s not the main point of the story - which is very much about Sam overcoming her fears and finding her power, helped by a fantastic and diverse array of supernatural friends. There’s tons of action, but also fun scenes of everyday life in her bar as loyal colleagues Owen, a wicche, and half-demon cook Dave bicker and tease Sam - but always have her back.
I enjoyed the writing style, especially Sam’s voice and the dialogue between the various characters. It’s told in traditional first person past which worked perfectly. I loved Sam as a character - while I was getting a bit frustrated at how often she was being attacked and having to be rescued by her friends, as you learn about her history and what was done to her, her fear and vulnerability make perfect sense, and it meant I cheered all the more when she learned to fight back. Kelly mixes standard paranormal tropes with an original slant and manages to throw in some surprises.
There were some minor writing hiccups - I don’t like it when the main character drops backstory into the middle of the action, especially when it’s repetitive, and if you’re going to write about werewolves don’t keep using the word “shifted” when you mean “moved aside” as it was distractingly confusing.
Nevertheless I’m looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens next.
4.5 rounded up for a heroine who loves books - and a bar I would love to drink in!
I received a free ARC through the Reedsy Discovery programme which allowed me to give an honest review. The book is to be published on September 29th.
The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore & Bar is the first in a new series about Sam Quinn, a lone werewolf who lives in San Francisco, avoiding her own kind since being brutally raped, turned, tortured and almost killed seven years earlier.
She runs a bar for paranormal creatures, which has two amazing features - a plate glass window looking out at the ocean, which is submerged at high tide, and a built-in bookshop. When an unprovoked attack removes the magical protection bestowed by her mother before she died, Sam finds herself being targeted by unknown enemies for no apparent reason. Will the timid wolf find her claws in time to save herself?
This was was a hugely enjoyable read that sits on the right side of the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. While there is a romance plotline - and you know as soon as gorgeous British vampire Clive is introduced who the love interest will be - it’s not the main point of the story - which is very much about Sam overcoming her fears and finding her power, helped by a fantastic and diverse array of supernatural friends. There’s tons of action, but also fun scenes of everyday life in her bar as loyal colleagues Owen, a wicche, and half-demon cook Dave bicker and tease Sam - but always have her back.
I enjoyed the writing style, especially Sam’s voice and the dialogue between the various characters. It’s told in traditional first person past which worked perfectly. I loved Sam as a character - while I was getting a bit frustrated at how often she was being attacked and having to be rescued by her friends, as you learn about her history and what was done to her, her fear and vulnerability make perfect sense, and it meant I cheered all the more when she learned to fight back. Kelly mixes standard paranormal tropes with an original slant and manages to throw in some surprises.
There were some minor writing hiccups - I don’t like it when the main character drops backstory into the middle of the action, especially when it’s repetitive, and if you’re going to write about werewolves don’t keep using the word “shifted” when you mean “moved aside” as it was distractingly confusing.
Nevertheless I’m looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens next.
4.5 rounded up for a heroine who loves books - and a bar I would love to drink in!
I received a free ARC through the Reedsy Discovery programme which allowed me to give an honest review. The book is to be published on September 29th.
March 25, 2025
March 2025; still feel the same way. The TSTL moments are many and varied. However, I have really enjoyed later books in the series which are much better so am re-reading it in order.
2.5/5; 3 stars
I almost stopped reading this book several time because of the many, many TSTL moments on the part of the female main character. Seriously, it was annoying. However, there was enough strength to the characters and plot to make me interested in reading the next one in the series so that is what I’ll do!
2.5/5; 3 stars
I almost stopped reading this book several time because of the many, many TSTL moments on the part of the female main character. Seriously, it was annoying. However, there was enough strength to the characters and plot to make me interested in reading the next one in the series so that is what I’ll do!
October 26, 2021
This was bad. FMC was TSTL.
Audible version.
Audible version.
graveyard-of-dnf-books
February 19, 2025Just no.
The blandest of writing, generic, unimpressive characters, run-of-the-mill UF stuff, not for me, so not wasting my time trying to see it through.
When I find that the description of actual human suffering bores me, then I know that either the writing is seriously bad or I'm missing the necessary book chemistry.
Thankfully it is included in the Audible Plus catalogue for free.
The blandest of writing, generic, unimpressive characters, run-of-the-mill UF stuff, not for me, so not wasting my time trying to see it through.
When I find that the description of actual human suffering bores me, then I know that either the writing is seriously bad or I'm missing the necessary book chemistry.
Thankfully it is included in the Audible Plus catalogue for free.
June 12, 2021
It has been a while since my last good Urban Fantasy book. I had my eyes on this book for a while and finally bought it last week because I was in the mood for a good fantasy novel. Well, it wasn't love at first sight.. the first chapters were confusing since it felt the author put anything remotely known fantasy into this book - vampires, witches or as they are called here, wicches, sorcerers, demons, werewolves, dragons, dwarfs, even the Furies are in this book. But the more I read about Sam, the unusual werewolf in this unusual bar and bookstore, the more intrigued I became. It was a really fascinating story and it seems ongoing as most of her family history is only revealed in the end.
The love story between a vampire and a werewolf is nothing new but it was still beautifully written. All the secrets, the lost memory, the two prominent families her parents were from, the attack and what happened to her when she was seventeen - all this made for an interesting story. I also liked Sam's friends Owen and Dave as they are as interesting characters as Sam or Clive. It was a very good first book in a series where there is still so much more to discover about all the main characters that I'm really looking forward to the second book.
The love story between a vampire and a werewolf is nothing new but it was still beautifully written. All the secrets, the lost memory, the two prominent families her parents were from, the attack and what happened to her when she was seventeen - all this made for an interesting story. I also liked Sam's friends Owen and Dave as they are as interesting characters as Sam or Clive. It was a very good first book in a series where there is still so much more to discover about all the main characters that I'm really looking forward to the second book.
January 23, 2021
I'm not sure how this book crossed my radar, but I remember people talking about how good it was. So when it popped up on my library's website it was an easy decision to give it a try.
It started out a bit slow, but that was ok, the players were being set up and there were a lot of them, then there was the background of what was going on. The action started in right away, I felt bad for Sam because she was getting hammered, going from one disaster to another. Someone was after her, but you weren't sure who or why. I loved that just by running her bar/bookstore (which I wish was real, I'd be there every day!) she had a pack of people that were there to help her. Some of them more than others stepped up, those closer to her. Together they managed to figure out what was going on and save Sam. I really loved that as they did this Sam came out of her shell and realized that she had friends and even a guy who really cared for her. The last 7 years of her life were basically lived at just exsisting, she deserves more and it looks like she is getting it. I look forward to reading the next book to see how Sam's life changes.
It started out a bit slow, but that was ok, the players were being set up and there were a lot of them, then there was the background of what was going on. The action started in right away, I felt bad for Sam because she was getting hammered, going from one disaster to another. Someone was after her, but you weren't sure who or why. I loved that just by running her bar/bookstore (which I wish was real, I'd be there every day!) she had a pack of people that were there to help her. Some of them more than others stepped up, those closer to her. Together they managed to figure out what was going on and save Sam. I really loved that as they did this Sam came out of her shell and realized that she had friends and even a guy who really cared for her. The last 7 years of her life were basically lived at just exsisting, she deserves more and it looks like she is getting it. I look forward to reading the next book to see how Sam's life changes.
March 23, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Trigger Warning: The heroine is a rape survivor, and this is a significant feature in the book.
This author did a phenomenal job in her depiction of a rape survivor coming to terms with her attack. The fear, the need for isolation, overcoming and learning to live again. The character development for Sam was some of the best I read. The supporting cast is entertaining, and I can't wait to discover more.
The slaughtered lamb is definitely a bar that I would love to go to. Who wouldn't love to watch the ocean as you enjoy your drink of choice and having a fully stocked bookstore at your fingertips?
The action is intense, and Sam seems to be a magnet for danger, the scenes are descriptive, which could be a turnoff for some, but I found it necessary to tell the complete story. This is one of the best urban fantasy novels I have read this year.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Trigger Warning: The heroine is a rape survivor, and this is a significant feature in the book.
This author did a phenomenal job in her depiction of a rape survivor coming to terms with her attack. The fear, the need for isolation, overcoming and learning to live again. The character development for Sam was some of the best I read. The supporting cast is entertaining, and I can't wait to discover more.
The slaughtered lamb is definitely a bar that I would love to go to. Who wouldn't love to watch the ocean as you enjoy your drink of choice and having a fully stocked bookstore at your fingertips?
The action is intense, and Sam seems to be a magnet for danger, the scenes are descriptive, which could be a turnoff for some, but I found it necessary to tell the complete story. This is one of the best urban fantasy novels I have read this year.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2021
I went in expecting an Urban Fantasy mystery with a dash of romance, but what I got was an UF Romance with a wonkily constructed plot.
Most of the novel can be summarized by:
1.) In an ill thought through attempt to get more information, Sam does something stupid
2.) Sam gets into a life-threatening situation
3.) Clive swoops in and saves the day
4.) Rinse and repeat
I think the author really overdid the getting-attacked part. There's only so many suddenly-life-threatening-situations that a reader can go through back to back without losing interest. Imo, it would've been much more interesting to have less attacks and instead have Sam stewing in the tenseness/paranoia of a potential attack.
I would've also appreciated some content warnings for:
CW: past rape, torture, attempted rape
Most of the novel can be summarized by:
1.) In an ill thought through attempt to get more information, Sam does something stupid
2.) Sam gets into a life-threatening situation
3.) Clive swoops in and saves the day
4.) Rinse and repeat
I think the author really overdid the getting-attacked part. There's only so many suddenly-life-threatening-situations that a reader can go through back to back without losing interest. Imo, it would've been much more interesting to have less attacks and instead have Sam stewing in the tenseness/paranoia of a potential attack.
I would've also appreciated some content warnings for:
CW: past rape, torture, attempted rape
February 21, 2023
I honestly don't know how to rate this one. In fact, I had to sleep on it before deciding to give it a 2. I like Sam but it feels like the author doesn't like her. Hahaha. She was attacked so many times and there was even mind torture going on. Come on, I was like let her take a break. And I was mad at Sam too because hours after her attack, she chose to wander the streets alone. I was getting frustrated. If not for good friends giving this 3 or 4 stars, I would have given up. Thankfully, she decided to fight back by the 80%mark. I was totally rooting for her. I will read the next book hoping it will get better.
December 1, 2021
Could be better
The conversations between characters are dull and simplistic. In fact, many of the characters are dull and simplistic and add no real purpose to the story other than to make our MC look unintelligent and weak. For some reason MC's love interest, Clive, pines after her for no real reason. To make matters worse in their relationship, they barely know each other with the occasional glancing in each other's directions. In fact Clive is extremely protective of her but has only talked to her (for the first time) the day before. The only relationship I know of where two people have barely interacted, the male sends people he knows to follow her around, shows up at her house unexpected and breaks in, and is bossy and demanding is that of a stalker and its victim or Edward Collins and Bella from Twilight.
The world building is unimpressive and the storyline jumps around with no context as to what's going on or where they are going. There is neither character development or a plot. MC has no desirable traits, proves more than once that she's incompetent and throughout has to rely on the skill of others instead of growing as a person and obtaining her own skills. Overall MC is too much of a victim and can't possibly get past it to grow as an individual, stunting the book. In fact the most infuriating part is that MC keeps stating that she'll never be a victim again but then constantly puts herself in situations where she's being taken advantage of/being a victim. It honestly seems like the author was simply writing insert fanfiction and that's fine, but then label your book as such to avoid waisting the time of readers.
The conversations between characters are dull and simplistic. In fact, many of the characters are dull and simplistic and add no real purpose to the story other than to make our MC look unintelligent and weak. For some reason MC's love interest, Clive, pines after her for no real reason. To make matters worse in their relationship, they barely know each other with the occasional glancing in each other's directions. In fact Clive is extremely protective of her but has only talked to her (for the first time) the day before. The only relationship I know of where two people have barely interacted, the male sends people he knows to follow her around, shows up at her house unexpected and breaks in, and is bossy and demanding is that of a stalker and its victim or Edward Collins and Bella from Twilight.
The world building is unimpressive and the storyline jumps around with no context as to what's going on or where they are going. There is neither character development or a plot. MC has no desirable traits, proves more than once that she's incompetent and throughout has to rely on the skill of others instead of growing as a person and obtaining her own skills. Overall MC is too much of a victim and can't possibly get past it to grow as an individual, stunting the book. In fact the most infuriating part is that MC keeps stating that she'll never be a victim again but then constantly puts herself in situations where she's being taken advantage of/being a victim. It honestly seems like the author was simply writing insert fanfiction and that's fine, but then label your book as such to avoid waisting the time of readers.
did-not-finish
June 12, 2024DNF at 41%.
I wanted to like this. Urban fantasy series with a forcibly turned female werewolf who owns a bar/bookstore in San Francisco? Cool. Surrounded by interesting magical acquaintances? Nice! She loses something that might have kept her safe... until now? I'm there for it. Protective love interest? Okay, I could be down for that.
However, there were several things that drove me crazy.
1. I HATE using this term "too stupid to live", but she kind of was that. She keeps being in serious danger and then choosing to do things that put her at risk. Like, walking almost 7 miles across San Francisco in the wee hours of the morning (why not public transit or a taxi), or leaving protection to get a snack, or going back into a dangerous situation where she almost died once because there's a dead body that shouldn't be left alone (except IT is dead... and SHE is not... though she tempts death a LOT).
2. The love interest was a big yawn. I ended reading when he's telling an involved story about how he met Shakespeare. Ugh. Why would I care?
It was fine... but I have other books to try and don't want to devote my attention to a heroine that drives me crazy.
I wanted to like this. Urban fantasy series with a forcibly turned female werewolf who owns a bar/bookstore in San Francisco? Cool. Surrounded by interesting magical acquaintances? Nice! She loses something that might have kept her safe... until now? I'm there for it. Protective love interest? Okay, I could be down for that.
However, there were several things that drove me crazy.
1. I HATE using this term "too stupid to live", but she kind of was that. She keeps being in serious danger and then choosing to do things that put her at risk. Like, walking almost 7 miles across San Francisco in the wee hours of the morning (why not public transit or a taxi), or leaving protection to get a snack, or going back into a dangerous situation where she almost died once because there's a dead body that shouldn't be left alone (except IT is dead... and SHE is not... though she tempts death a LOT).
2. The love interest was a big yawn. I ended reading when he's telling an involved story about how he met Shakespeare. Ugh. Why would I care?
It was fine... but I have other books to try and don't want to devote my attention to a heroine that drives me crazy.
July 1, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review. This novel contains unforgettable characters who pulled me into their story and engaged my emotions. Sam, Clive, and the entire supporting cast of characters kept me rooting for them on every page. I simply could not put his urban fantasy down.
Fans of Patricia Briggs and Darynda Jones will find Kelly’s novel a welcome addition to their bookshelves. This series has a new place on my one-click buy list.
Fans of Patricia Briggs and Darynda Jones will find Kelly’s novel a welcome addition to their bookshelves. This series has a new place on my one-click buy list.
June 19, 2021
3.5/5/0
An enjoyable urban fantasy. The story is good and the characters are engaging. It just lacked the depth to really make it stand out as unforgettable. Questions like why Clive is so smitten with Sam in the first place and what happened to those who destroyed her home (I REALLY wanted to see a scene where retribution for that took place) were never answered. Still, I’ll be picking up the next in the series hoping to see what happens.
An enjoyable urban fantasy. The story is good and the characters are engaging. It just lacked the depth to really make it stand out as unforgettable. Questions like why Clive is so smitten with Sam in the first place and what happened to those who destroyed her home (I REALLY wanted to see a scene where retribution for that took place) were never answered. Still, I’ll be picking up the next in the series hoping to see what happens.
December 11, 2023
5 stars★★★★★
☞ Trigger warnings: *contains spoiler* .
First Read: 4th October 2022
Second Read: 2nd December 2023
The Sam Quinn series reviews:
#1 The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar: ★★★★★
#2 The Dead Don’t Drink at Lafitte’s: ★★★★★
#3 The Wicche Glass Tavern: ★★★★★
#4 The Hob and Hound Pub: ★★★★☆
#5 Biergarten of the Damned: ★★★★☆
#6 The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe: ★★★★☆
#7 The Bloody Ruin Asylum & Taproom: release date: 1st October 2024
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October 14, 2020
I've been reading more & more paranormal romance again these days, but even if I wasn't, this title would have drawn me in anyway. This story had so much to it, and I never wanted it to end, so bravo to the new to me author Seana Kelly. Sam Quinn, is a self proclaimed nerdy werewolf running the place, and lets anyone come in but other wolves. She's got quite the horrifying, tragic past that she's been trying to heal from in San Francisco for years, and I just wanted to hug her & cut all of her enemies down. She finds the broken body of a female werewolf on her doorstep with the same scars that SAM sports, so things are about to get really dicey as someone seems to be sending her a message, and from that moment, she's battling all kinds of things trying to end her because her magical protection is gone. Throw in a vampire who is Master of the City, Clive, into the mix as her grumpy bodyguard, well you have quite the original story. In order to see what happens you'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out! As for me?! I'm already dying inside for more, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
August 2, 2020
I don't remember where I saw the recommendation for this book, but I put it on my shelf and when I discovered it at Netgalley I just had to have it!
Sam is the owner of 'The slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar'. Seven years ago she was horribly attacked and turned into a werewolf, and after she started the bookstore/bar, overlooking the water and with supernatural guests (and crew). One day the body of a woman (a werewolf) floats near her bar and after that Sam is attacked constantly (and I mean, constantly!). Fortunately she has the help of handsome vampire master Clive and her friends and together they try to uncover Sam's past and how it is connected to the attempts on her life.
I read this book in one long night and had to keep on reading. I loved Sam, how she is trying to overcome the past and the developing romance between her and Clive.
Fortunately there are - at least - 2 books following this one and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on them.
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Sam is the owner of 'The slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar'. Seven years ago she was horribly attacked and turned into a werewolf, and after she started the bookstore/bar, overlooking the water and with supernatural guests (and crew). One day the body of a woman (a werewolf) floats near her bar and after that Sam is attacked constantly (and I mean, constantly!). Fortunately she has the help of handsome vampire master Clive and her friends and together they try to uncover Sam's past and how it is connected to the attempts on her life.
I read this book in one long night and had to keep on reading. I loved Sam, how she is trying to overcome the past and the developing romance between her and Clive.
Fortunately there are - at least - 2 books following this one and I can't wait to get my grabby hands on them.
*** I received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
January 9, 2021
I don’t know why I went into this book expecting it to wow me. It may have been the way it began because I thought it was going to be about a kickass female character. She had been surviving on her own for a while with unsavory characters hunting for her, after all. The protagonist was also a rape survivor — don’t get me started on how I hate when authors use rape as a backstory for characters. As soon as she entered into a relationship, though, she turned into a helpless damsel-in-distress. What’s more, she knew her life was in danger yet she kept on roaming around at random. If you know you cannot handle the threat, being out and about wouldn’t be a smart thing to do, would it? All that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book. It is a fun, fluffy, and quick read.
May 13, 2022
I'm a fan of urban fantasies that hit the ground running in terms of action (Hello, Harry Dresden), but this was just a little too much. Too much crazy action, especially in the beginning, too many different paranormal species, too many times Sam seemed TSTL... it was a bit overwhelming. But I like the characters and the idea and will continue with the series.
A side note: I seem to be reading a lot of books lately where the hero's adoration of the heroine is unending, but the readers are never really told why that's the case. And here's another example. Why is Clive so smitten with Sam? I know she's our heroine, but that can't be the only reason. I'm hoping to learn more in the next installment. Because I'm tired of two-dimensional heroes with no discernable motivation.
A side note: I seem to be reading a lot of books lately where the hero's adoration of the heroine is unending, but the readers are never really told why that's the case. And here's another example. Why is Clive so smitten with Sam? I know she's our heroine, but that can't be the only reason. I'm hoping to learn more in the next installment. Because I'm tired of two-dimensional heroes with no discernable motivation.
July 25, 2020
The first in the Sam Quinn series by Seana Kelly is off to a promising start. Sam is a werewolf bookstore/bar owner. She caters to all the supernaturals in San Francisco. I did have a little bit of a hard time getting into the story at first, but it finally sunk its hooks into me. I couldn’t get enough of Sam, Clive the sexy vampire, Dave the demon, and Owen the wicche! Unique storyline with some fun characters. I want more!
*ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Read
May 21, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Slavery
Sexual assault mentioned
Anxiety & panic attacks
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & trauma
Blood & gore depiction
Murder & attempted murder
Torture
Drowning
Kidnapping & captivity
Slavery
Sexual assault mentioned
Anxiety & panic attacks
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & trauma
Blood & gore depiction
Murder & attempted murder
Torture
Drowning
Kidnapping & captivity
June 27, 2021
Nice start to series. Full RTC
July 16, 2023
4 Stars
This was hugely enjoyable. Great characters and I loved the setting.
This was hugely enjoyable. Great characters and I loved the setting.
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