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Stray House Hustle #1
Catnip and Hockey Sticks
When the council names Hansen the Alpha of his Stray pack of Cat shifters, at first he is reluctant. His father, the former Alpha, hadn’t exactly been a good example, so Hansen feels as if he doesn’t have a clue. But to his surprise, he finds that he is actually good at the job, and he soon has a thriving pack. One of Hansen’s steadfast rules is that he never favors one member of the pack over the other. They are all treated as equals, and that plan works out perfectly, until Hansen finds a homeless runt who needs a home. One who is sexy, alluring and draws Hansen in—Nevel.
Nevel didn’t even know he was a Cat shifter until he first transformed into his animal form. Kicked out of his home, he drifts around until Hansen takes him home and gives him sanctuary. Before long, Nevel finds himself in love with the Alpha, but no matter how hard Nevel, tries Hansen won’t give Nevel the time of day.
Will Hansen ever take Nevel as his mate? Or will Nevel be destined to live the rest of his days with a broken heart?
Nevel didn’t even know he was a Cat shifter until he first transformed into his animal form. Kicked out of his home, he drifts around until Hansen takes him home and gives him sanctuary. Before long, Nevel finds himself in love with the Alpha, but no matter how hard Nevel, tries Hansen won’t give Nevel the time of day.
Will Hansen ever take Nevel as his mate? Or will Nevel be destined to live the rest of his days with a broken heart?
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Stephani Hecht
249Ìýbooks856ÌýfollowersStephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
[email protected]
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
[email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2015
2.5 stars
The thing is I definitely used to love . You would not believe the hassle I had getting The Lost Shifter series in the beginning. I must have started around book 7 - defintely before Shane's book. It was tough to get from a UK address. I even wrote to the original author's website for series clarification and where to buy them. I persistently bought the books, short as they were, regardless of price. So WTF has happened? Was it because I was a newbie m/m reader? Was I dazzled by a sexy read in my naivety? Should I go back and reread them to see if they hold up? Because frankly, this was pretty crappy. Short, rushed, cliched, just tepidly average. . . maybe even under in places. I only stopped reading that series and the EMT one because I got to a point of saturation with , , and others. I was taking a break. I didn't want a permanent divorce. It's like I was married and I've just found out my partner was cheating. I need to go back and examine my marriage for signs that I was missing, that I purposely overlooked because I was dazzled by suave sexy good looks. Sigh. I'm hurt, a little disappinted and just disillusioned. I think I really will have to go for a rereadathon. I hope I wasn't blinded by my own infatuation.
The thing is I definitely used to love . You would not believe the hassle I had getting The Lost Shifter series in the beginning. I must have started around book 7 - defintely before Shane's book. It was tough to get from a UK address. I even wrote to the original author's website for series clarification and where to buy them. I persistently bought the books, short as they were, regardless of price. So WTF has happened? Was it because I was a newbie m/m reader? Was I dazzled by a sexy read in my naivety? Should I go back and reread them to see if they hold up? Because frankly, this was pretty crappy. Short, rushed, cliched, just tepidly average. . . maybe even under in places. I only stopped reading that series and the EMT one because I got to a point of saturation with , , and others. I was taking a break. I didn't want a permanent divorce. It's like I was married and I've just found out my partner was cheating. I need to go back and examine my marriage for signs that I was missing, that I purposely overlooked because I was dazzled by suave sexy good looks. Sigh. I'm hurt, a little disappinted and just disillusioned. I think I really will have to go for a rereadathon. I hope I wasn't blinded by my own infatuation.
September 23, 2015
Twas cute. I love kits kats and hockey so that helped too. It's a sweet little before-bed-snack type read.
December 14, 2015
I didn't make note but I feel like there are inconsistencies of Hanson's actions and background. Like near the beginning its this way and later on not quite the same but I couldn't give an example...
Ok.. stray cat.. like KITTY cats... different. But I didn't understand what makes Nevel a runt? His human size.. not like super small more like average.. and cat.. not really described besides compared to what he gets into trouble with.
Then when getting to the mating part.. also weird to me. How does a cat claim a mate? Can't be just sex cus these guys aren't going to go without for their whole lives until.. the one. All Hanson and Nevel did was sex and the golden lite thing happens but there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason behind it. Well, Hanson's answer makes it seem like completely random. Just isn't followed thru enough for me.
So I suppose it was ok but I don't think I'll pick up any more in this series. Just not interesting enough for me.
Ok.. stray cat.. like KITTY cats... different. But I didn't understand what makes Nevel a runt? His human size.. not like super small more like average.. and cat.. not really described besides compared to what he gets into trouble with.
Then when getting to the mating part.. also weird to me. How does a cat claim a mate? Can't be just sex cus these guys aren't going to go without for their whole lives until.. the one. All Hanson and Nevel did was sex and the golden lite thing happens but there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason behind it. Well, Hanson's answer makes it seem like completely random. Just isn't followed thru enough for me.
So I suppose it was ok but I don't think I'll pick up any more in this series. Just not interesting enough for me.
March 25, 2015
Somehow stray tabby cat shifters aren't exactly as sexy or appealing as... ANY other shifters.
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at .
3.5 stars
Hansen may be the Alpha of his Stray pack but he’s promised himself he will never mate. But when Hansen realizes Nevel’s left the house again without taking anyone with him, he becomes angry and frantic. It only gets worse when Hansen goes after him only to find Nevel surrounded by an enemy pack. But Nevel’s reaction to Hansen makes Hansen rethink his stance on never taking a mate.
This was a very cute one. I love that this series is about house cat shifters, you definitely don’t see many of those out there. I also liked the fact that Nevel didn’t learn about being a cat shifter until he finally shifted, although it was sad that he was disowned because of that. I also liked that Hansen had such a sad history as well and how that shaped him into not wanting to take a mate. As a couple, I really liked Nevel and Hansen together.
I liked this one but I couldn’t help but feel like it was eerily similar to An Owl Surfaces when it came to Hansen not wanting to claim Nevel because Hansen was the leader. Add to that, both stories had where EVERYONE knew about Hansen and Nevel’s desire for each other and those two were just the last to discover it. It was cute but wished it had been more original.
In the end, a cute, short story about house cat shifters. As a start to a new series, it’s a good one and I’ll be looking forward to seeing which ‘stray cat� gets his story next ;)
3.5 stars
Hansen may be the Alpha of his Stray pack but he’s promised himself he will never mate. But when Hansen realizes Nevel’s left the house again without taking anyone with him, he becomes angry and frantic. It only gets worse when Hansen goes after him only to find Nevel surrounded by an enemy pack. But Nevel’s reaction to Hansen makes Hansen rethink his stance on never taking a mate.
This was a very cute one. I love that this series is about house cat shifters, you definitely don’t see many of those out there. I also liked the fact that Nevel didn’t learn about being a cat shifter until he finally shifted, although it was sad that he was disowned because of that. I also liked that Hansen had such a sad history as well and how that shaped him into not wanting to take a mate. As a couple, I really liked Nevel and Hansen together.
I liked this one but I couldn’t help but feel like it was eerily similar to An Owl Surfaces when it came to Hansen not wanting to claim Nevel because Hansen was the leader. Add to that, both stories had where EVERYONE knew about Hansen and Nevel’s desire for each other and those two were just the last to discover it. It was cute but wished it had been more original.
In the end, a cute, short story about house cat shifters. As a start to a new series, it’s a good one and I’ll be looking forward to seeing which ‘stray cat� gets his story next ;)
February 13, 2015
Hansen is the Alpha of his Stray pack of Cat shifters. He prides himself in treating his pack as equals. Unfortunately, that is keeping him from perusing the cute runt in his pack, Nevel.
Hansen is an admirable Alpha. He wants to be a fair leader and do what is best for his pack. I like that he is a good person and did not follow in his father’s footsteps. I also appreciate that he is willing to listen to others and admit to his mistakes.
It’s hard not to like Nevel. He is spirited and sarcastic. He likes Harry Potter. He is smart for thinking dolls are creepy. Nevel has had a tough life and deserves happiness.
I enjoyed that both Hanson and Nevel are good people with friends and pack that care for them.
Stephani Hecht did a great job depicting cat traits. I had to laugh that Hansen hates that he has to use a “doggie door." I’m fairly certain my cats feel the same way, the injustice of it all.
Catnip and Hockey Sticks includes two of my favorite book topics: hockey and shape shifters. It can’t get more perfect then that. This short story is well-written and fun to read. I look forward to continuing the series.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
Hansen is an admirable Alpha. He wants to be a fair leader and do what is best for his pack. I like that he is a good person and did not follow in his father’s footsteps. I also appreciate that he is willing to listen to others and admit to his mistakes.
It’s hard not to like Nevel. He is spirited and sarcastic. He likes Harry Potter. He is smart for thinking dolls are creepy. Nevel has had a tough life and deserves happiness.
I enjoyed that both Hanson and Nevel are good people with friends and pack that care for them.
Stephani Hecht did a great job depicting cat traits. I had to laugh that Hansen hates that he has to use a “doggie door." I’m fairly certain my cats feel the same way, the injustice of it all.
Catnip and Hockey Sticks includes two of my favorite book topics: hockey and shape shifters. It can’t get more perfect then that. This short story is well-written and fun to read. I look forward to continuing the series.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2016
Hanson is the reluctant Alpha of his Stray pack of cat shifters. One the first thing he resolved to do was treat everyone the same. But he is having a hard time applying that to Nevel. Nevel did not even know he was a cat shifter until he found out by accident. When he was kicked out, he found his way to Hanson’s pack, where they adopted him. Nevel in love with Hanson but Hanson never even acknowledges him.
Hanson soon learns that all his resolve goes up in flames when Nevel finds himself in trouble again. It seems he has a problem following rules.
Sit back with this one and watch as Hanson finds himself falling in love with Nevel. He has no clue what to do with that love due to his past. When someone sits him down to talk to him, Hanson knows just what he wants to do You can’t help but fall in love with these two. Hanson struggles to do the right thing for his pack while Nevel acts out. Stephani Hecht writes fun stories that beautifully romantic. This is one is a great read!
Hanson soon learns that all his resolve goes up in flames when Nevel finds himself in trouble again. It seems he has a problem following rules.
Sit back with this one and watch as Hanson finds himself falling in love with Nevel. He has no clue what to do with that love due to his past. When someone sits him down to talk to him, Hanson knows just what he wants to do You can’t help but fall in love with these two. Hanson struggles to do the right thing for his pack while Nevel acts out. Stephani Hecht writes fun stories that beautifully romantic. This is one is a great read!
February 23, 2015
I would have given 5 stars because the start of the series has promise (and the story was really cute).
Unfortunately I kept looking for missing pages or chapters. I felt like the world building was seriously lacking. If this was a spin off from another series I must have missed the link because it seemed I was thrown in the deep end and was trying to play catch up the whole time. The story progresses as if you should know whats going on, who the enemies are and why, yet you don't and aren't really told anything other than 'these are the good guy. These guys are asstards.'
Anyway still a good read, I appreciate that this is a 'short' just wish it wasn't so short it lacked (imo) important details.
Unfortunately I kept looking for missing pages or chapters. I felt like the world building was seriously lacking. If this was a spin off from another series I must have missed the link because it seemed I was thrown in the deep end and was trying to play catch up the whole time. The story progresses as if you should know whats going on, who the enemies are and why, yet you don't and aren't really told anything other than 'these are the good guy. These guys are asstards.'
Anyway still a good read, I appreciate that this is a 'short' just wish it wasn't so short it lacked (imo) important details.
January 27, 2015
Meh...
September 3, 2020
Book 47 complete.
January 26, 2015
A review.
4 stars
As far as short stories go, this is a winner. I have not come across many shifter stories involving house cats and if you are a cat lover, you will definitely appreciate the feline mannerisms that the guys of the pack exhibit. Within a short number of pages we get both Hansen and Nevel’s story. While we do get a sense of their history together and why Hansen feels he cannot take a mate, it is a bit harder to fully bond to the main characters due to the style of the set up for the length of the story. The guys have already known each other for years and there is all kinds of tension already between them as we come in later in the game. We are given two different characters, with Hansen having to land on his feet and take care of his pack and Nevel as the scrappy runt who hates being treated as helpless. We get to see them as humans and as cats and there is a good balance to both areas. The story is about getting them together and when they do finally get together, the story is over. I would have enjoyed getting to see them together as a couple. There could certainly be a larger story here for these guys and the entire pack and that can be a testament to any good story, not wanting it to end. The story is listed as being number one in a series and I will certainly be on the lookout for round two.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety .
4 stars
As far as short stories go, this is a winner. I have not come across many shifter stories involving house cats and if you are a cat lover, you will definitely appreciate the feline mannerisms that the guys of the pack exhibit. Within a short number of pages we get both Hansen and Nevel’s story. While we do get a sense of their history together and why Hansen feels he cannot take a mate, it is a bit harder to fully bond to the main characters due to the style of the set up for the length of the story. The guys have already known each other for years and there is all kinds of tension already between them as we come in later in the game. We are given two different characters, with Hansen having to land on his feet and take care of his pack and Nevel as the scrappy runt who hates being treated as helpless. We get to see them as humans and as cats and there is a good balance to both areas. The story is about getting them together and when they do finally get together, the story is over. I would have enjoyed getting to see them together as a couple. There could certainly be a larger story here for these guys and the entire pack and that can be a testament to any good story, not wanting it to end. The story is listed as being number one in a series and I will certainly be on the lookout for round two.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety .
June 12, 2015
As Alpha for a Stray Cat pack Hansen fully accepts responsibility for the shifters under his care. He’s always treated his charges exactly the same, no favorites. Growing up his father wasn’t a good role model as a husband, father, or Alpha so Hansen knows the difference.
Life was going fine for Nevel until he shifted and suddenly became a pariah to his family. Homeless, starving, and scared, though he’d never admit it, Nevel was parked behind a dumpster when Hansen found him.
The firm belief in treating everyone equally becomes a big problem for Hansen after he falls for Nevel. Feelings are mutual. Nevel would like nothing better than to be with his Alpha as his mate. Hansen won’t budge however which is causing huge friction in the cat shifters home. It’s starting to affect everyone so something’s got to give. The sooner the better.
The Stray Cat Hustle series begins with a sweet love story in Catnip and Hockey Sticks. Naïve emotions and miscommunication lead Hansen and Nevel’s romance astray. Their clumsy attempt to fix the problem is the crux of this tale. The characters are pleasant and the story holds promise, though the snarky dialogue is somewhat too full of smart aleck comments. Catnip and Hockey Sticks is simply a lovely little romance.
This book was reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
Life was going fine for Nevel until he shifted and suddenly became a pariah to his family. Homeless, starving, and scared, though he’d never admit it, Nevel was parked behind a dumpster when Hansen found him.
The firm belief in treating everyone equally becomes a big problem for Hansen after he falls for Nevel. Feelings are mutual. Nevel would like nothing better than to be with his Alpha as his mate. Hansen won’t budge however which is causing huge friction in the cat shifters home. It’s starting to affect everyone so something’s got to give. The sooner the better.
The Stray Cat Hustle series begins with a sweet love story in Catnip and Hockey Sticks. Naïve emotions and miscommunication lead Hansen and Nevel’s romance astray. Their clumsy attempt to fix the problem is the crux of this tale. The characters are pleasant and the story holds promise, though the snarky dialogue is somewhat too full of smart aleck comments. Catnip and Hockey Sticks is simply a lovely little romance.
This book was reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
June 15, 2015
As Alpha for a Stray Cat pack Hansen fully accepts responsibility for the shifters under his care. He’s always treated his charges exactly the same, no favorites. Growing up his father wasn’t a good role model as a husband, father, or Alpha so Hansen knows the difference.
Life was going fine for Nevel until he shifted and suddenly became a pariah to his family. Homeless, starving, and scared, though he’d never admit it, Nevel was parked behind a dumpster when Hansen found him.
The firm belief in treating everyone equally becomes a big problem for Hansen after he falls for Nevel. Feelings are mutual. Nevel would like nothing better than to be with his Alpha as his mate. Hansen won’t budge however which is causing huge friction in the cat shifters home. It’s starting to affect everyone so something’s got to give. The sooner the better.
The Stray Cat Hustle series begins with a sweet love story in Catnip and Hockey Sticks. Naïve emotions and miscommunication lead Hansen and Nevel’s romance astray. Their clumsy attempt to fix the problem is the crux of this tale. The characters are pleasant and the story holds promise, though the snarky dialogue is somewhat too full of smart aleck comments. Catnip and Hockey Sticks is simply a lovely little romance.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link:
Life was going fine for Nevel until he shifted and suddenly became a pariah to his family. Homeless, starving, and scared, though he’d never admit it, Nevel was parked behind a dumpster when Hansen found him.
The firm belief in treating everyone equally becomes a big problem for Hansen after he falls for Nevel. Feelings are mutual. Nevel would like nothing better than to be with his Alpha as his mate. Hansen won’t budge however which is causing huge friction in the cat shifters home. It’s starting to affect everyone so something’s got to give. The sooner the better.
The Stray Cat Hustle series begins with a sweet love story in Catnip and Hockey Sticks. Naïve emotions and miscommunication lead Hansen and Nevel’s romance astray. Their clumsy attempt to fix the problem is the crux of this tale. The characters are pleasant and the story holds promise, though the snarky dialogue is somewhat too full of smart aleck comments. Catnip and Hockey Sticks is simply a lovely little romance.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link:
February 20, 2015
Hansen has had a bad taste of what mates are since his father claim his mate then killed her. Hansen has become Alpha of his Stray pack of Cat shifters. He likes to be a fair and just Alpha. Nevel just pushes his button and he try hard to ignore the feelings and Nevel. When he notice that Nevel is missing he goes searching for him and finds him surrounded by another pack. Hansen friends tell him that he is going to the best things that has every happen to him, unless he admits and mate to Nevel.
Hansen is the Alpha of . He prides himself in treating his pack as equals. Unfortunately, that is keeping him from perusing the cute runt in his pack, Nevel.
Fun read book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series. The only disappointment with the book is that it was to short
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: Fun read book
MY RATING: 5 Hearts
Hansen is the Alpha of . He prides himself in treating his pack as equals. Unfortunately, that is keeping him from perusing the cute runt in his pack, Nevel.
Fun read book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series. The only disappointment with the book is that it was to short
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: Fun read book
MY RATING: 5 Hearts
January 29, 2015
While this is a fairly short novella I found that not only was the world well described and the background story fleshed out, but that the characters were immediately engaging. You quickly fall in love with not just Hansen and Nevel, but the rest of the rag-tag stray pack whom are not only cat shifters but also hockey players.
January 2, 2015
Ok, I really loved the story. It' fun to see shifter cats, and I've always loved runts. The biggest problem I had which led to the three stars were the common editing mistakes where 'off' was used instead of 'of', or 'thought' instead of 'though'. Sigh. Again, I loved the story but was disappointed by the distracting errors.
January 11, 2015
I don't sure if a I like this serie or not, I need to read the second book.
This book is very similar to the first book of the flushing owl shifter.
This book is very similar to the first book of the flushing owl shifter.
January 11, 2015
Catnip and Hockey Sticks (Stay House Hustle Book 1)
Good book interestingly I love when a book is short but sweet ..I can't wait to read the next one hope it's soon.
Good book interestingly I love when a book is short but sweet ..I can't wait to read the next one hope it's soon.
August 7, 2015
Nice mate rejection story. Engaging characters. Sweet rather than raunchy.
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