Top Dog (Formerly My Life as a Dog)
Dark Haven Book Reviews ~ 3.5 Beacons ~ "Was this a diamond in the rough; or a rough diamond? I have to say a little of both."
Dark Haven Book Reviews ~ 3.5 Beacons ~ "Was this a diamond in the rough; or a rough diamond? I have to say a little of both."
Where Y'At Magazine
YOU GOTTA READ ~ 5 STARS
You Gotta Read http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-my-life-as-dog-by-mike-and.html
"I would like to tell Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga BRAVO! It is not very often that I can say a book changed my opinion about an entire genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in paranormal romance. Please keep in mind that some scenes are very erotic and may offend those who aren't interested in erotic. Otherwise, I suggest you run out and buy this book. Read at your leisure because you don't want to miss one thing. I enjoyed my time spent reading My Life as a Dog and look forward to reading more from these authors."
REVIEWS
FROM AMAZON READERS
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Entertaining, April 13, 2013 By Carole A. Spalino "Carole McKee" (Clearwater, Florida) -
Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I had no idea what a shifter was until I read this book. As I read, I found myself wondering what kind of animal I would shift to if I were a shifter. I think it's a really cool concept, and I enjoyed the book immensely. It's a great story and it is very well-written. There is plenty of excitement to keep you turning the pages. Nice job.
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You!, April 3, 2013 By Daniel Smythes "Hello World" (Reno, NV) -
Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I just stopped by to say thank you for the free book, which I downloaded ages ago. Sorry for the delay, but I had a ton of books to read, and now I have a chance to post reviews.
4.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!!, March 31, 2013 By Janet Juengling-Snell - Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I adore PNR stories that have strong Alpha males, so when I saw the cover of TOP DOG by Mike and Cynthia Arsusga, I had to check it out! After read the burp and found out the premise of the story was a shifter turning into a tiny Yorkie, I thought WTH? A Yorkie? Yea, that screams Alpha male... So of course I had to read it!!
When I started Top Dog, I was expecting a very tongue-n-cheek or whimsical type of story. What I found instead was a very well written, satisficing storyline with successfully developed characters. This book totally changed my pre-conceived ideas of how alpha shifter males operate or what they shift into. Within the first few minutes of reading, Top Dog shows readers even a tiny Yorkie can be a force to be reckoned with. My hats off to Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga, a job well done!!
Drake Martin is an ex-hit man, turned PI, who we learn in the prolog, has lived as the beloved pet of an 6 year old girl named Kady Harley. Kady gave her treasured dog the name of Precious, which by the way, Drake Hates! One of the reasons I normally don't like to read first person, is that it sometimes gets confusing as to who is talking, but I never had that problem with Top Dog. In fact, I became so immersed in the book that I didn't even notice it was in first person anymore. With that said, I would have loved to read Kady viewpoint as well!
Precious stays with Kady till she heads off for college. The story begins 10 years later, while Drake is on a job, trying to catch a cheating husband. He unknowing walks in on an FBI bust. This is where we see the valuable asset of being a Yorkie, can help a PI. As Drake is sitting and listening to the FBI, he hears the name being whisper that he thought he had left behind years ago... Precious! It's none other than a very grown up Kady, who is now an FBI agent. Before Drake knows what hit him, he's in Kady's purse and on his way to her place.
Watching Drake trying to balance his life as a dog and human, were humorous to say the least, the relationship between Kady and Precious was very touching. Because of the bond between Kady and Precious, when she finally meets Drake (in human form), the connection seems to become deeper, it moves to a whole new level, and the scenes between these two were tender and very moving.
As Kady pursues her case with the FBI and Drake's over whelming need to protect his love, the adventure and suspense in Top Dog, is non-stop. It's full of secondary characters that were also well developed and very eN0JAMRT0/Inappropriate
4.0 out of 5 stars I look forward to seeing more., February 4, 2012 By Detra Fitch "Always hunting good books." (USA) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) The hitman has been a shape shifter for nearly sixty years, when he finally ends up botching a hit. To escape the law closing in on the building, Drake Martin morphs into his animal form - a small Yorkshire terrier. Though the police could not find Drake, they do pick up a stray Yorkie. This is how Drake ends up at an animal shelter. Luckily, six-year-old Katherine "Kady" Hartley adopts the Yorkie and names him Precious. Drake had planned to simply disappear from Kady's life within a week; however, Kady's guileless eyes and unconditional love convinces him to stick around for awhile. Years pass and Kady is soon off to college. The family's vet begins noticing that Precious never seemed to age, so Drake finally leaves the Hartley family behind.
Years later, Drake works as a private investigator. While finding proof of adultery for his client, Mrs. Beamer, Drake - in his Yorkie animal form - stumbles across a slave trade. Before Drake can slip away from the Russian mob and their captives, the FBI raids the building. Among the group is Special Agent Kady Hartley.
Unable to force himself away from Kady a second time, Drake begins to lead a double life. During the day, Drake runs martin Investigations and dates Kady. Otherwise, he lives in Kady's apartment as Little Dude. As a dog, Drake adores his human owner. But when Drake is in human form, he is in love with the woman. As Kady's Yorkie companion, Little Dude, Drake learns that Kady is going to New Orleans on a secret mission. Knowing that the Russian mob will be involved, Drake makes plans to follow and keep Kady safe. To do this, Drake must meet with New Orleans's shifter pack.
A Sufi is a shifter with one or more subordinate Alphas and packs. The Sufi agrees to help keep Kady in sight and safe. In return, Drake is to help rescue the Sufi's great granddaughter. Though Drake detests all the laws and traditions associated with packs, protecting Kady is worth the hassle. But events quickly start spinning out of control. The Russians have a lot of money and a long reach. Kady and the other agents are in more danger than they could possibly imagine.
**** FOUR STARS! This was a difficult synopsis to write. I wanted to make it clear to readers how Drake and Kady first met, parted, met again years later, and then began their adult lives. Once done, I needed to explain Drake's double life, their dating, and then the dangerous plots. I believe that I succeeded without giving away spoilers. I have no idea if this is a stand-alone story or the first of a series. I guess it depends on the authors. Personally, I am happy with the way this tale ended; however, I find the notion of seeing future cases and/or missions intriguing.
The story is told from Drake's point-of-view. His running commentary reminds me of the old black and white detective shows on television from long ago. Backgrounds are not very detailed at first, but more and more is learned as the story progresses. I look forward to seeing more from this writing team. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars My Life As A Dog Review By R.N. Hadley, January 17, 2012 By R.N. Hadley (R.N.Hadley Book Reviews) (Hampshire, UK) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) My Life As A Dog is written by Cynthia and Mike Arsuaga and published by Secret Cravings Publishing is an erotic paranormal romance at approximately 67,000 words and 14 chapters in length.
Cynthia and Mike Arsuaga live in Orlando Florida with their Yorkie Thumper, daughter and granddaughter. Both authors have completed individual works including such titles as Subspecies and Born To Be Wild, however there is word of another collaboration for a sequel to My Life As A Dog.
Drake Martin is no average human, being a part-time hitman, private eye, lover and shapeshifter. On the run in his 8lb Yorkie form Drake is captured by animal control and see's his only option for survival as being adopted. In steps the little girl Kady Hartley who would change his life forever.
Making a home is not easy for a shapeshifter while in dog form perhaps this time is different, running away is not an option but has 12 years with the Hartleys made him soft and susceptible? after all the vet appears to have noticed something wrong with the fact of having immaculate health for an old dog and has something planned. So perhaps it is time to leave.
A decade later, and his about to meet Kady again, FBI Agent Kady Hartley and things are about to get all kinds of crazy.
Taking on what first appears a simple case of betrayal little does Drake expect to come across Kady mixed up in a big FBI case involving Russian mob families, sex slaves and bent cops. On top of that Drake the PI has fallen in love with Kady and Drake the Yorkie has returned to the girl who loved him unconditionally and whom he abandoned all those years ago. Can they survive this? Any of this?
The relationship between children of a young age and a pet is relatively unbreakable and the bond goes extremely deep. But, what if the child grew up and discovered that pet could turn into a person and was the person their heart belonged to? Or the person they shared their bed with?
Dogs are both renowned and accomplished for having an excellent nose and for Drake Martin there is no difference between him being in human or dog form, except when it comes to sex and appreciating the female figure. When it comes to Kady Hartley there is so much history between them that Drake can no longer love any other woman or look at them the way he once did, in fact he realises that for him it has always been Kady but how will Kady take finding out the truth of who Drake really is? Or finding out the true identity of Precious the dog she grew up with as a child/ the dog she found working a case?
A life without trust, and love is damaging enough but can a little girl now a fully grown woman and FBI agent renew belief in ones self, in life and allow for a change that goes deeper than anyone else could provide?
Is love truly unconditional? And can it span the differences between humans and shapeshifters?
Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga have created an action packed, heart warming tale of growing up, love, loss, and betrayal. I am sure many readers will think of times they wished their pet could turn into the man/woman of their dreams, at how no-one in this world expresses love like a pet can.
I would recommend My Life As A Dog to anyone aged 18 years and over and award the novel 4.5 stars.
By R.N. Hadley
(www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.com)
5.0 out of 5 stars Action AND humor, what more could you ask for?, October 29, 2011 By lastnerve "Val" (NV, USA) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) After reading the very last sentence on the very last page, my first reaction is WOW. I say this for a couple of reasons. First, I am not ordinarily a shifter reader and second, how in the world can a shifter who turns into a Yorkie be sexy? This is where the "wow" factor comes in. Never have I read a book that has thrown my preconceptions out the window as this book has. Very early in the book, the first shifter scene actually, it is evident how being able to turn into a cute little dog works to Drake's advantage. His reaction to what he turns into was priceless and made me laugh out loud. A very important part of the book is the beginning. Although the pacing does seem a little slow at first, this is where the foundation lies for the rest of the book. No worries though, when the book does pick up, it is a very fast paced action packed book.
Drake Martin and Kady Harley have a relationship like none I've ever read before. It was fascinating how Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga have developed these two characters in such a tender way. They are able to bond in a way a normal couple never can. The loyalty that Drake shows toward Kady touched my heart and made me just want to say awwwww. As the book develops, so does the relationship between these two exciting and funny characters. The heat level between Drake and Kady soars and I'm more than surprised that my book didn't spontaneously combust! I am a die hard romantic suspense reader who loves humor sprinkled throughout the pages of whatever it may be that I am reading. My Life as a Dog had me laughing out loud at moments and holding my breath at others. This is, hands down, a book that captured my attention and kept it there.
I would like to tell Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga BRAVO! It is not very often that I can say a book changed my opinion about an entire genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in paranormal romance. Please keep in mind that some scenes are very erotic and may offend those who aren't interested in erotic. Otherwise, I suggest you run out and buy this book. Read at your leisure because you don't want to miss one thing. I enjoyed my time spent reading My Life as a Dog and look forward to reading more from these authors.
5.0 out of 5 stars This should be a Movie!, September 26, 2011 By tpvissage - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) One of the best paranormal stories I've read lately. Well-written, and told from Drake's POV, it's a whimsical entertainment, Oh, there are some violent moments, but most of the story is endearing because of the writing style and the delightful turns of phrase. It's face-paced; I was surprised at how much action was packed in so few pages and had to check page numbers once in a while to ensure myself I actually wasn't nearing the end of the novel.
This is definitely one novel I'd like to see turned into a movie. Its funny, sexy, exciting, and filled with some very interesting shifters, as well as their own isoteric lore. The scene of Drake trying to maintain a balance between being Precious and his human self without Kady's realizing they're never seen together are amusing and clever. I read the story in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. You will, too.
For a clever twist on an old theme, I recommend My Life as Dog. PS, the cute Little Dude on the cover is the authors' own Precious...but his name is Thumper.)
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Entertaining, April 13, 2013 By Carole A. Spalino "Carole McKee" (Clearwater, Florida) -
Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I had no idea what a shifter was until I read this book. As I read, I found myself wondering what kind of animal I would shift to if I were a shifter. I think it's a really cool concept, and I enjoyed the book immensely. It's a great story and it is very well-written. There is plenty of excitement to keep you turning the pages. Nice job.
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You!, April 3, 2013 By Daniel Smythes "Hello World" (Reno, NV) -
Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I just stopped by to say thank you for the free book, which I downloaded ages ago. Sorry for the delay, but I had a ton of books to read, and now I have a chance to post reviews.
4.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!!, March 31, 2013 By Janet Juengling-Snell - Top Dog (Shifter Tales 1) (Kindle Edition) I adore PNR stories that have strong Alpha males, so when I saw the cover of TOP DOG by Mike and Cynthia Arsusga, I had to check it out! After read the burp and found out the premise of the story was a shifter turning into a tiny Yorkie, I thought WTH? A Yorkie? Yea, that screams Alpha male... So of course I had to read it!!
When I started Top Dog, I was expecting a very tongue-n-cheek or whimsical type of story. What I found instead was a very well written, satisficing storyline with successfully developed characters. This book totally changed my pre-conceived ideas of how alpha shifter males operate or what they shift into. Within the first few minutes of reading, Top Dog shows readers even a tiny Yorkie can be a force to be reckoned with. My hats off to Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga, a job well done!!
Drake Martin is an ex-hit man, turned PI, who we learn in the prolog, has lived as the beloved pet of an 6 year old girl named Kady Harley. Kady gave her treasured dog the name of Precious, which by the way, Drake Hates! One of the reasons I normally don't like to read first person, is that it sometimes gets confusing as to who is talking, but I never had that problem with Top Dog. In fact, I became so immersed in the book that I didn't even notice it was in first person anymore. With that said, I would have loved to read Kady viewpoint as well!
Precious stays with Kady till she heads off for college. The story begins 10 years later, while Drake is on a job, trying to catch a cheating husband. He unknowing walks in on an FBI bust. This is where we see the valuable asset of being a Yorkie, can help a PI. As Drake is sitting and listening to the FBI, he hears the name being whisper that he thought he had left behind years ago... Precious! It's none other than a very grown up Kady, who is now an FBI agent. Before Drake knows what hit him, he's in Kady's purse and on his way to her place.
Watching Drake trying to balance his life as a dog and human, were humorous to say the least, the relationship between Kady and Precious was very touching. Because of the bond between Kady and Precious, when she finally meets Drake (in human form), the connection seems to become deeper, it moves to a whole new level, and the scenes between these two were tender and very moving.
As Kady pursues her case with the FBI and Drake's over whelming need to protect his love, the adventure and suspense in Top Dog, is non-stop. It's full of secondary characters that were also well developed and very eN0JAMRT0/Inappropriate
4.0 out of 5 stars I look forward to seeing more., February 4, 2012 By Detra Fitch "Always hunting good books." (USA) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) The hitman has been a shape shifter for nearly sixty years, when he finally ends up botching a hit. To escape the law closing in on the building, Drake Martin morphs into his animal form - a small Yorkshire terrier. Though the police could not find Drake, they do pick up a stray Yorkie. This is how Drake ends up at an animal shelter. Luckily, six-year-old Katherine "Kady" Hartley adopts the Yorkie and names him Precious. Drake had planned to simply disappear from Kady's life within a week; however, Kady's guileless eyes and unconditional love convinces him to stick around for awhile. Years pass and Kady is soon off to college. The family's vet begins noticing that Precious never seemed to age, so Drake finally leaves the Hartley family behind.
Years later, Drake works as a private investigator. While finding proof of adultery for his client, Mrs. Beamer, Drake - in his Yorkie animal form - stumbles across a slave trade. Before Drake can slip away from the Russian mob and their captives, the FBI raids the building. Among the group is Special Agent Kady Hartley.
Unable to force himself away from Kady a second time, Drake begins to lead a double life. During the day, Drake runs martin Investigations and dates Kady. Otherwise, he lives in Kady's apartment as Little Dude. As a dog, Drake adores his human owner. But when Drake is in human form, he is in love with the woman. As Kady's Yorkie companion, Little Dude, Drake learns that Kady is going to New Orleans on a secret mission. Knowing that the Russian mob will be involved, Drake makes plans to follow and keep Kady safe. To do this, Drake must meet with New Orleans's shifter pack.
A Sufi is a shifter with one or more subordinate Alphas and packs. The Sufi agrees to help keep Kady in sight and safe. In return, Drake is to help rescue the Sufi's great granddaughter. Though Drake detests all the laws and traditions associated with packs, protecting Kady is worth the hassle. But events quickly start spinning out of control. The Russians have a lot of money and a long reach. Kady and the other agents are in more danger than they could possibly imagine.
**** FOUR STARS! This was a difficult synopsis to write. I wanted to make it clear to readers how Drake and Kady first met, parted, met again years later, and then began their adult lives. Once done, I needed to explain Drake's double life, their dating, and then the dangerous plots. I believe that I succeeded without giving away spoilers. I have no idea if this is a stand-alone story or the first of a series. I guess it depends on the authors. Personally, I am happy with the way this tale ended; however, I find the notion of seeing future cases and/or missions intriguing.
The story is told from Drake's point-of-view. His running commentary reminds me of the old black and white detective shows on television from long ago. Backgrounds are not very detailed at first, but more and more is learned as the story progresses. I look forward to seeing more from this writing team. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars My Life As A Dog Review By R.N. Hadley, January 17, 2012 By R.N. Hadley (R.N.Hadley Book Reviews) (Hampshire, UK) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) My Life As A Dog is written by Cynthia and Mike Arsuaga and published by Secret Cravings Publishing is an erotic paranormal romance at approximately 67,000 words and 14 chapters in length.
Cynthia and Mike Arsuaga live in Orlando Florida with their Yorkie Thumper, daughter and granddaughter. Both authors have completed individual works including such titles as Subspecies and Born To Be Wild, however there is word of another collaboration for a sequel to My Life As A Dog.
Drake Martin is no average human, being a part-time hitman, private eye, lover and shapeshifter. On the run in his 8lb Yorkie form Drake is captured by animal control and see's his only option for survival as being adopted. In steps the little girl Kady Hartley who would change his life forever.
Making a home is not easy for a shapeshifter while in dog form perhaps this time is different, running away is not an option but has 12 years with the Hartleys made him soft and susceptible? after all the vet appears to have noticed something wrong with the fact of having immaculate health for an old dog and has something planned. So perhaps it is time to leave.
A decade later, and his about to meet Kady again, FBI Agent Kady Hartley and things are about to get all kinds of crazy.
Taking on what first appears a simple case of betrayal little does Drake expect to come across Kady mixed up in a big FBI case involving Russian mob families, sex slaves and bent cops. On top of that Drake the PI has fallen in love with Kady and Drake the Yorkie has returned to the girl who loved him unconditionally and whom he abandoned all those years ago. Can they survive this? Any of this?
The relationship between children of a young age and a pet is relatively unbreakable and the bond goes extremely deep. But, what if the child grew up and discovered that pet could turn into a person and was the person their heart belonged to? Or the person they shared their bed with?
Dogs are both renowned and accomplished for having an excellent nose and for Drake Martin there is no difference between him being in human or dog form, except when it comes to sex and appreciating the female figure. When it comes to Kady Hartley there is so much history between them that Drake can no longer love any other woman or look at them the way he once did, in fact he realises that for him it has always been Kady but how will Kady take finding out the truth of who Drake really is? Or finding out the true identity of Precious the dog she grew up with as a child/ the dog she found working a case?
A life without trust, and love is damaging enough but can a little girl now a fully grown woman and FBI agent renew belief in ones self, in life and allow for a change that goes deeper than anyone else could provide?
Is love truly unconditional? And can it span the differences between humans and shapeshifters?
Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga have created an action packed, heart warming tale of growing up, love, loss, and betrayal. I am sure many readers will think of times they wished their pet could turn into the man/woman of their dreams, at how no-one in this world expresses love like a pet can.
I would recommend My Life As A Dog to anyone aged 18 years and over and award the novel 4.5 stars.
By R.N. Hadley
(www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.com)
5.0 out of 5 stars Action AND humor, what more could you ask for?, October 29, 2011 By lastnerve "Val" (NV, USA) - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) After reading the very last sentence on the very last page, my first reaction is WOW. I say this for a couple of reasons. First, I am not ordinarily a shifter reader and second, how in the world can a shifter who turns into a Yorkie be sexy? This is where the "wow" factor comes in. Never have I read a book that has thrown my preconceptions out the window as this book has. Very early in the book, the first shifter scene actually, it is evident how being able to turn into a cute little dog works to Drake's advantage. His reaction to what he turns into was priceless and made me laugh out loud. A very important part of the book is the beginning. Although the pacing does seem a little slow at first, this is where the foundation lies for the rest of the book. No worries though, when the book does pick up, it is a very fast paced action packed book.
Drake Martin and Kady Harley have a relationship like none I've ever read before. It was fascinating how Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga have developed these two characters in such a tender way. They are able to bond in a way a normal couple never can. The loyalty that Drake shows toward Kady touched my heart and made me just want to say awwwww. As the book develops, so does the relationship between these two exciting and funny characters. The heat level between Drake and Kady soars and I'm more than surprised that my book didn't spontaneously combust! I am a die hard romantic suspense reader who loves humor sprinkled throughout the pages of whatever it may be that I am reading. My Life as a Dog had me laughing out loud at moments and holding my breath at others. This is, hands down, a book that captured my attention and kept it there.
I would like to tell Mike and Cynthia Arsuaga BRAVO! It is not very often that I can say a book changed my opinion about an entire genre. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in paranormal romance. Please keep in mind that some scenes are very erotic and may offend those who aren't interested in erotic. Otherwise, I suggest you run out and buy this book. Read at your leisure because you don't want to miss one thing. I enjoyed my time spent reading My Life as a Dog and look forward to reading more from these authors.
5.0 out of 5 stars This should be a Movie!, September 26, 2011 By tpvissage - My Life As A Dog (Paperback) One of the best paranormal stories I've read lately. Well-written, and told from Drake's POV, it's a whimsical entertainment, Oh, there are some violent moments, but most of the story is endearing because of the writing style and the delightful turns of phrase. It's face-paced; I was surprised at how much action was packed in so few pages and had to check page numbers once in a while to ensure myself I actually wasn't nearing the end of the novel.
This is definitely one novel I'd like to see turned into a movie. Its funny, sexy, exciting, and filled with some very interesting shifters, as well as their own isoteric lore. The scene of Drake trying to maintain a balance between being Precious and his human self without Kady's realizing they're never seen together are amusing and clever. I read the story in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. You will, too.
For a clever twist on an old theme, I recommend My Life as Dog. PS, the cute Little Dude on the cover is the authors' own Precious...but his name is Thumper.)
© 2010 - 2015. All rights reserved and no exceptions. All personal works on this site are the exclusive property of Mike Arsuaga. Work may not be transmitted via the internet, nor reproduced in any other way, without prior written consent.
