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RELIC #2
Sink or Swim
Trapped on a cruise ship with a man I absolutely hate is not how I wanted to spend this fake honeymoon. Especially when my “fiancé” has a deadly ex on the same boat.
Jackson is everything I’m not: brash, careless and a former fossil thief. But he’s my ticket to getting what I want -- the original Spinosaurus fossils that have been lost for decades. Now I have to play the part, win the fossils and try not to kill him in the process.
The danger of being caught, tortured or killed isn’t what scares me.
Navigating the waters of this fake relationship is threatening to pull me under.
And I’m terrified of sinking.
Jackson is everything I’m not: brash, careless and a former fossil thief. But he’s my ticket to getting what I want -- the original Spinosaurus fossils that have been lost for decades. Now I have to play the part, win the fossils and try not to kill him in the process.
The danger of being caught, tortured or killed isn’t what scares me.
Navigating the waters of this fake relationship is threatening to pull me under.
And I’m terrified of sinking.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2021
About the author
Maz Maddox
33 books630 followersMaz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.
When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
April 15, 2021
This has been such a fun, quirky, totally SCREWBALL series and I've thoroughly enjoyed both of these first two books.
Maddox's stories kinda-sorta remind me a bit of Alice Winters' unconventional, out-of-the-box plots, but Maddox keeps her foot on the brake to keep the humor from getting out of control and becoming too outlandish.
As this story began, Baha was pretty much defined by his constantly-foul, gruff attitude, but when faced with Jackson's constant irreverence and joking ways, the unhappy, lonely Spinosaurus shifter eventually began to unclench and allow himself to have a little fun. To actually feel something more than being continually pissed off and annoyed. And that was a joy to witness.
[My personal take on Baha...]
Things began to change for the better between the MC's when the cruise ship hit Lisbon, so those were my favorite parts of the book. Not only was that where the story took a more steamy turn, but where Baha finally admitted, if only to himself, that he actually "liked" Jackson as a person, which was huge in and of itself.
In addition to the developing romance, the final heist and escape scenes were pretty action-packed, keeping me on the edge of my seat, so that was tons of fun. Plus, seeing the evil asshole Big Bad, Jackson's ex, finally get his much-deserved comeuppance, that was simply deeee-fucking-lightful.
Hell, I even liked the skeezy, irredeemable side character, Collin, who didn't seem to be written as someone you were actually *supposed* to like, but I did anyway. Even if he turned out to be a shallow, Hollywood, woo-woo, new-agey, "spirit guide" nitwit. I couldn't help myself.
I'd rate this book at around 4.25 stars, liking it almost as much as the first book, but just a tiny smidge less, and recommend the hell out of it to fans of weird shifter stories that don't take themselves too seriously.
The reader wasn't given any clues as to whether the next book would be Montana or Yu's story, but if I had to guess, my gut feeling is that the author will probably save Montana's happily-ever-after for the series finale. Either way, without a single doubt in my mind, I'll be greedily reading all of the books that this series has to offer!
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May 25, 2022
Audiobook Relisten May 2022: It’s still a keeper!
Original review March 2021:
I LOVE DINOSAURS!!
4.5 Fun-filled Stars!!
This follow up the the ridiculously fun Smash and Grab....
Includes a cranky Egyptian Spinosaurus
A smooth-talking Texan hottie
(Yes, he’s a Dino, but I won’t ruin your fun!)
A secret auction aboard a Portuguese cruise
Secret agendas
Fossil thefts
Exes
Enemies to lovers AND
Fake fiancées—YEAH!!
Top-shelf scotch
Rough and tumble sex—what do you expect from two top-tier predators?? 🔥🔥
Midnight swims
HEA
This works as a stand-alone, but would be more fun as a sequential part of this KICK-ASS series.
No angst, lots of grumbles, tumbles & FUN 😉
Original review March 2021:
I LOVE DINOSAURS!!
4.5 Fun-filled Stars!!
This follow up the the ridiculously fun Smash and Grab....
Includes a cranky Egyptian Spinosaurus
A smooth-talking Texan hottie
(Yes, he’s a Dino, but I won’t ruin your fun!)
A secret auction aboard a Portuguese cruise
Secret agendas
Fossil thefts
Exes
Enemies to lovers AND
Fake fiancées—YEAH!!
Top-shelf scotch
Rough and tumble sex—what do you expect from two top-tier predators?? 🔥🔥
Midnight swims
HEA
This works as a stand-alone, but would be more fun as a sequential part of this KICK-ASS series.
No angst, lots of grumbles, tumbles & FUN 😉
June 17, 2024
Agree with those who said this one is better than book 1
…looking at you, len ☺️
So while I’ll always love a nerd/badass combo, the grumpy/sunshine pairing worked even better for me here.
The grump in question is Baha, codenamed “The Egyptian” because of the place he “woke up” after sleeping for 65 million years. And honestly, he’s the epitome of grumpiness, made even better with the raspy, deep grumbly voice Kirt Graves gave him in the audio version.
The “sunshine” is Jackson, a quite shifty shifter (bear with me, I know it’s corny 😬), who approaches the RELICS with an idea on how to recover a very valuable Spinosaurus fossil.
To do that, Baha and Jackson board a ship/cruise where artifacts are auctioned off to wealthy collectors. To Baha’s dismay, Jackson introduces him as his fiancé.
And then, chaos begins.
There are a lot of funny moments, but let me just mention the “courting” scene where both Baha and Jackson are in their shifted forms and Baha kills a shark to feed (and court) Jackson. I wheezed 🤣
You know those old school action movies who don’t want to be realistic, but make you laugh with the characters’ antics and screwball moments? This is it, all wrapped in a book. On top of that, Kirt Graves made it very easy to make the characters come alive in my head, with Baha’s Arabic accent and Jackson’s Texan drawl.
I had a blast, and I loved the cameos we get from the other members of the RELICS team (especially Dalton 😬).
On top of that, the audio is free with an audible subscription 🥰
…looking at you, len ☺️
So while I’ll always love a nerd/badass combo, the grumpy/sunshine pairing worked even better for me here.
The grump in question is Baha, codenamed “The Egyptian” because of the place he “woke up” after sleeping for 65 million years. And honestly, he’s the epitome of grumpiness, made even better with the raspy, deep grumbly voice Kirt Graves gave him in the audio version.
The “sunshine” is Jackson, a quite shifty shifter (bear with me, I know it’s corny 😬), who approaches the RELICS with an idea on how to recover a very valuable Spinosaurus fossil.
To do that, Baha and Jackson board a ship/cruise where artifacts are auctioned off to wealthy collectors. To Baha’s dismay, Jackson introduces him as his fiancé.
And then, chaos begins.
There are a lot of funny moments, but let me just mention the “courting” scene where both Baha and Jackson are in their shifted forms and Baha kills a shark to feed (and court) Jackson. I wheezed 🤣
You know those old school action movies who don’t want to be realistic, but make you laugh with the characters’ antics and screwball moments? This is it, all wrapped in a book. On top of that, Kirt Graves made it very easy to make the characters come alive in my head, with Baha’s Arabic accent and Jackson’s Texan drawl.
I had a blast, and I loved the cameos we get from the other members of the RELICS team (especially Dalton 😬).
On top of that, the audio is free with an audible subscription 🥰
January 14, 2024
4.5 Stars
Goddamn, this was seriously cute! I loved it even more than the first one. I need me some more dinosaur shifters!
I loved how Jackson was so easy going and Baha so grumpy. They countered each other very well. And when things got steamy -- yum.
Well done! Definitely recommended to shifter fans. Once you go dinosaur...RAWR!
Goddamn, this was seriously cute! I loved it even more than the first one. I need me some more dinosaur shifters!
I loved how Jackson was so easy going and Baha so grumpy. They countered each other very well. And when things got steamy -- yum.
Well done! Definitely recommended to shifter fans. Once you go dinosaur...RAWR!
September 1, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and a fake relationship — what’s not to love?
This series just keeps getting better. The banter between Baha and Jackson was amazing and the action is written so well, it feels like I’m watching a movie.
Sink or Swim was humorous, engaging and oh so swoony.
I also loved the little dinosaur fun facts the author keeps sprinkling in.
This series is becoming one of my fave shifter series, and I’ll definitely be reading the rest!
“Fucking told you the growl works.” My brain misfired, and I blinked before barking a laugh. Motherfucker got me. “You can growl at me anytime, darlin’.”
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and a fake relationship — what’s not to love?
This series just keeps getting better. The banter between Baha and Jackson was amazing and the action is written so well, it feels like I’m watching a movie.
Sink or Swim was humorous, engaging and oh so swoony.
I also loved the little dinosaur fun facts the author keeps sprinkling in.
This series is becoming one of my fave shifter series, and I’ll definitely be reading the rest!
August 19, 2021
Maz Maddox's RELIC series is a whole lotta dino-rific fun! Action, adventure, romance..., and some heartfelt introspection from the p.o.v. of prehistoric creatures as well. Sink or Swim has a different vibe to it than the first book, Smash & Grab. An enemies to lovers story (and two alphalicious guys to boot!), this one has edge of your seat tension and a creative treasure heist mystery which I loved.
Both novels are performed by the marvelous Kirt Graves, who does a simply spectacular job with both of them!
an audiobook copy of Sink or Swim was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Both novels are performed by the marvelous Kirt Graves, who does a simply spectacular job with both of them!
an audiobook copy of Sink or Swim was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
March 16, 2021
4.5 stars
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
THIS WAS THE SO CUTE I CANT EVEN!
FIRST: When can one procure a "Jackson" ? #AskingForAFriend
SECOND: A growly Egyptian....#YAS
What I loved....
1. The Characters:
- Jackson: Texan, Hottie, Snarky, Ray of sunshine and I LOVE HIM!
- Baha: Egyptian, Grumpy AF, a dark GOD of a dinosaur, Growly ... #NeedISayMore
2. The Plot:
Jackson and Baha are on a mission to retrieve some very important stolen fossils. Baha hates Jackson on sight and Jackson is smitten on sight. BUT... retrieving the fossils forces them into close proximity and as they come closer and closer to getting the fossils back, Jackson tears down Baha's reservations. #BreakThrough
3. The Romance:
Baha goes all GROWL and GRRRR and I HATE YOU and FUCK YOU! And Jackson goes all SWOONY and SOFT and YAAAS DARLIN' PLEASE FUCK ME! Their banter is on point and their chemistry undeniable. #PrehistoricLove
4. The HFN...
Loved how they are together! It was so them. #MillionsOfYearsToCome
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
THIS WAS THE SO CUTE I CANT EVEN!
FIRST: When can one procure a "Jackson" ? #AskingForAFriend
SECOND: A growly Egyptian....#YAS
What I loved....
1. The Characters:
- Jackson: Texan, Hottie, Snarky, Ray of sunshine and I LOVE HIM!
- Baha: Egyptian, Grumpy AF, a dark GOD of a dinosaur, Growly ... #NeedISayMore
2. The Plot:
Jackson and Baha are on a mission to retrieve some very important stolen fossils. Baha hates Jackson on sight and Jackson is smitten on sight. BUT... retrieving the fossils forces them into close proximity and as they come closer and closer to getting the fossils back, Jackson tears down Baha's reservations. #BreakThrough
3. The Romance:
Baha goes all GROWL and GRRRR and I HATE YOU and FUCK YOU! And Jackson goes all SWOONY and SOFT and YAAAS DARLIN' PLEASE FUCK ME! Their banter is on point and their chemistry undeniable. #PrehistoricLove
4. The HFN...
Loved how they are together! It was so them. #MillionsOfYearsToCome
April 20, 2023
Can a dinosaur shifter book be boring? Well...
I was SO all-in with this fun shifter series featuring DINOSAURS (because, natch), but I'm feeling my enthusiasm fade from my body the more I read.
I really wanted to love Sink or Swim, but it took me ages to get through this audiobook. The narration was very good, but I was tired of the back and forth between these two guys, and the relic-hunting set up just feels a bit like the author doesn't know where to take this series. There wasn't enough tension there, but also it all felt a bit... pointless? I just wasn't that into the story, plot-wise.
I think a major issue with a dinosaur shifter book is that these guys can hardly ever shift. Part of the fun of a shifter book is the MCs slipping between multiple forms and using their strengths from their animal side. The fact that these two are dinosaurs is more like an afterthought. They can hardly ever shift because of their colossal size, so most of the story is just like a regular low-level mystery/suspense story.
When it comes down to it, I'm not a big fan of romantic suspense, and this felt a little too much like that. What I'm saying is I want MORE dino and less thieving and rescuing artifacts.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
I was SO all-in with this fun shifter series featuring DINOSAURS (because, natch), but I'm feeling my enthusiasm fade from my body the more I read.
I really wanted to love Sink or Swim, but it took me ages to get through this audiobook. The narration was very good, but I was tired of the back and forth between these two guys, and the relic-hunting set up just feels a bit like the author doesn't know where to take this series. There wasn't enough tension there, but also it all felt a bit... pointless? I just wasn't that into the story, plot-wise.
I think a major issue with a dinosaur shifter book is that these guys can hardly ever shift. Part of the fun of a shifter book is the MCs slipping between multiple forms and using their strengths from their animal side. The fact that these two are dinosaurs is more like an afterthought. They can hardly ever shift because of their colossal size, so most of the story is just like a regular low-level mystery/suspense story.
When it comes down to it, I'm not a big fan of romantic suspense, and this felt a little too much like that. What I'm saying is I want MORE dino and less thieving and rescuing artifacts.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
August 24, 2021
ETA: I've just gotten to listen to the audio and I love Kirt Graves! Always does a great job with the books I've listened to from him, and this is no exception. I just love his buttery, gravel-y voice so much!
Sink or Swim is the follow up to the AMAZING Smash and Grab (seriously, one of my top books from 2020) and I LOVED IT!
Maz has written such a unique world - you won’t read another thing like it. In this series, dinosaurs are shifters and they survived the extinction and are how human. And a team of shifters - RELIC, are out looking for fossils to preserve their history in legitimate means - in museums and true preservation means - rather than with private greedy collectors. It sounds crazy but PLEASE try it! Everyone I have recommended the first book to has wound up LOVING IT, and I need everyone to read this series!
This is Baha’s story - and he is grumpy grump personified, and I loved it. He has to work with Jackson - a cocky shifter who isn't on their team - to bring back some Spinosauraus fossils. I just LOVED their snark and chemistry and all that UST. They weren’t exactly true “enemies” but they definitely had animosity-to-lovers feels. Pair that up with close quarters, fun swimming times, one bed, AND having to pull off a fake relationship? PERFECT TROPES!
There’s danger, exes, some fun night time swimming, and there are some moments that hit you right in the feels as Baha and Jackson grow closer. I just loved it.
So, while Dalton remains one of my most favorite characters ever (and I’m always, always up for cameos from Dalton in future stories, Maz!) This is a VERY solid sequel and I just absolutely loved it from beginning to end.
I cannot wait for Ren and Montana’s stories!
Sink or Swim is the follow up to the AMAZING Smash and Grab (seriously, one of my top books from 2020) and I LOVED IT!
Maz has written such a unique world - you won’t read another thing like it. In this series, dinosaurs are shifters and they survived the extinction and are how human. And a team of shifters - RELIC, are out looking for fossils to preserve their history in legitimate means - in museums and true preservation means - rather than with private greedy collectors. It sounds crazy but PLEASE try it! Everyone I have recommended the first book to has wound up LOVING IT, and I need everyone to read this series!
This is Baha’s story - and he is grumpy grump personified, and I loved it. He has to work with Jackson - a cocky shifter who isn't on their team - to bring back some Spinosauraus fossils. I just LOVED their snark and chemistry and all that UST. They weren’t exactly true “enemies” but they definitely had animosity-to-lovers feels. Pair that up with close quarters, fun swimming times, one bed, AND having to pull off a fake relationship? PERFECT TROPES!
There’s danger, exes, some fun night time swimming, and there are some moments that hit you right in the feels as Baha and Jackson grow closer. I just loved it.
So, while Dalton remains one of my most favorite characters ever (and I’m always, always up for cameos from Dalton in future stories, Maz!) This is a VERY solid sequel and I just absolutely loved it from beginning to end.
I cannot wait for Ren and Montana’s stories!
September 16, 2021
[4.5] are you looking for an enemies-to-lovers story? how about one featuring a classic grumpy/flirty sunshine pairing? why don't we tack on fake fiancées for the heck of it? actually scratch that, what about fake fiancées undercover on a cruise for an illegal fossil auction? there we go, that sounds about right 😌 now i don't know about you, but talk about a concoction of some of my favorite things 😍
me off to read the next one!
me off to read the next one!
December 28, 2021
This series is everything I didn't know I needed in my life. Loved this.
August 6, 2021
4.5“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in sixty-five million years".💫
This is the second book in the RELIC series. And I thought nothing could outshine the 1st book, Smash and Grab, because what could be better than Dalton, the sassy punk with a pink mohawk who is a Dinosaur shifter. But I am happy to say that the 2nd has surpassed the previous book. As we get the raptor shifters with Grumpy/sunshine and Hate to love trope and a fake cruise romance.🥳🥳🥳
Storyline-
This whole series revolves around members of a group called 'RELIC'. They try to curb the illegal trade of fossils and if they fail, they take it back from illegal fossil collectors either by participating in secret auctions or by simply plucking it from them.😁😁 But they all share a secret...that all of them are 'Dinosaurs shifters'. The MC for this book is Baha, he is a 'theropod dinosaur shifter.
He is forced to go on a cruise ship with Jackson to take part in one of these secret auctions. The only problem is Baha hates Jackson. Because Jackson used to work as a fossil/antics thief in the past with his ex-boyfriend. But, Baha is forced to pretend as Johnson's fiance on this cruise owned by Jackson's ex, Jonas.
Relationship development -
Baha was king of all the grumpy monsters. He hates crowds/people in general especially the pretentious ones and when he is not working, the only fun in his life is reading crime novels, swimming, and hunting in Amazons(hey!! he is a dinosaur shifter so what did you expect???😉😉). Johnson is a sassy cowboy and takes life as it comes and enjoys everything. Baha despises Johnson and is not ready to trust a thief turned colleague.
While on the cruise, we get some very delightful scenes around the city of Lisbon without compromising the pace of the story. I swear when I say that the scene when both were shifted near the beach and Baha in his spinosaurus form bought the offering of shark for Jackson, I swoon.😇😇And, the sexual tension was so precious and finally ended in hot steamy, security guard-calling sex scenes.🤭🤭
Writing style-
I am completely in love with the quirky writing style and sassy characters of Maz Maddox. She has taken an entirely new approach to Shifter romance and these books are fast and fun reads. The book has the right balance of Action and romance. The final heist and escape scene were flawless. And, I feel this book is a perfect read even for those who are not much into the shifter romance.
I simply adore the grumpy bastard, Baha, and Johnson, who was the right kind of trouble in the best of ways. Even the side characters were interesting and not to forget Jackson's horse 'Opal', who Johnson is sure is lesbian because the horse has zero taste in men.🤣🤣🤣
It can be surely read as standalone but I feel the fun will increase tenfold if we read it in order(look who's talking🙊🙊).
Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a funny action-packed shifter romance. Ohh!!! Please do read it, it's fun and light and delightful. And, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
"My whole life, all I wanted was to be back home. Back in the world, we used to know. Being human was...confusing. Painful. But you make me want to be human.”
This is the second book in the RELIC series. And I thought nothing could outshine the 1st book, Smash and Grab, because what could be better than Dalton, the sassy punk with a pink mohawk who is a Dinosaur shifter. But I am happy to say that the 2nd has surpassed the previous book. As we get the raptor shifters with Grumpy/sunshine and Hate to love trope and a fake cruise romance.🥳🥳🥳
Storyline-
This whole series revolves around members of a group called 'RELIC'. They try to curb the illegal trade of fossils and if they fail, they take it back from illegal fossil collectors either by participating in secret auctions or by simply plucking it from them.😁😁 But they all share a secret...that all of them are 'Dinosaurs shifters'. The MC for this book is Baha, he is a 'theropod dinosaur shifter.
He is forced to go on a cruise ship with Jackson to take part in one of these secret auctions. The only problem is Baha hates Jackson. Because Jackson used to work as a fossil/antics thief in the past with his ex-boyfriend. But, Baha is forced to pretend as Johnson's fiance on this cruise owned by Jackson's ex, Jonas.
Relationship development -
Baha was king of all the grumpy monsters. He hates crowds/people in general especially the pretentious ones and when he is not working, the only fun in his life is reading crime novels, swimming, and hunting in Amazons(hey!! he is a dinosaur shifter so what did you expect???😉😉). Johnson is a sassy cowboy and takes life as it comes and enjoys everything. Baha despises Johnson and is not ready to trust a thief turned colleague.
While on the cruise, we get some very delightful scenes around the city of Lisbon without compromising the pace of the story. I swear when I say that the scene when both were shifted near the beach and Baha in his spinosaurus form bought the offering of shark for Jackson, I swoon.😇😇And, the sexual tension was so precious and finally ended in hot steamy, security guard-calling sex scenes.🤭🤭
Writing style-
I am completely in love with the quirky writing style and sassy characters of Maz Maddox. She has taken an entirely new approach to Shifter romance and these books are fast and fun reads. The book has the right balance of Action and romance. The final heist and escape scene were flawless. And, I feel this book is a perfect read even for those who are not much into the shifter romance.
I simply adore the grumpy bastard, Baha, and Johnson, who was the right kind of trouble in the best of ways. Even the side characters were interesting and not to forget Jackson's horse 'Opal', who Johnson is sure is lesbian because the horse has zero taste in men.🤣🤣🤣
It can be surely read as standalone but I feel the fun will increase tenfold if we read it in order(look who's talking🙊🙊).
Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a funny action-packed shifter romance. Ohh!!! Please do read it, it's fun and light and delightful. And, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
"My whole life, all I wanted was to be back home. Back in the world, we used to know. Being human was...confusing. Painful. But you make me want to be human.”
October 27, 2023
✰4 stars✰
Grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, and forced proximity? Yes please.
This was the second book I’ve read in this series so far, and I’ve really enjoyed myself so far. Shifter books can be a really fun read for me, but the only downside with these is that they hardly get to shift because of their size and staying hidden. That just means that the shifter part is almost a secondary player to the story and would still be a good story without.
Essentially it just leaves me wanting more. Which, to be fair, might be a good thing because I want to keep reading the series to get more bits and pieces of them.
I really liked that this felt very Oceans Eleven/heist vibes. Baha and Jackson go on an exclusive cruise that is full of rich people who are part of black market fossil and artifact auctions. The fact that they fake a relationship to pass and more undercover in order to steal the fossils they came to extract is super unique and works really well with this set of characters.
If you like a little bit of suspense, a lot of snarky humor, and dinosaur shifters then this one might be for you.
“I like you, you grumpy bastard. I really like you. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m home. I ain’t never felt that way about anyone. Not once.”
Grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, and forced proximity? Yes please.
This was the second book I’ve read in this series so far, and I’ve really enjoyed myself so far. Shifter books can be a really fun read for me, but the only downside with these is that they hardly get to shift because of their size and staying hidden. That just means that the shifter part is almost a secondary player to the story and would still be a good story without.
Essentially it just leaves me wanting more. Which, to be fair, might be a good thing because I want to keep reading the series to get more bits and pieces of them.
I really liked that this felt very Oceans Eleven/heist vibes. Baha and Jackson go on an exclusive cruise that is full of rich people who are part of black market fossil and artifact auctions. The fact that they fake a relationship to pass and more undercover in order to steal the fossils they came to extract is super unique and works really well with this set of characters.
If you like a little bit of suspense, a lot of snarky humor, and dinosaur shifters then this one might be for you.
December 30, 2021
I love ending the year with a new favourite series!
This is Baha's story. He's a grumpy Spinosaurus shifter, with a dry sense of humour.
On paper Baha doesn't mix well with cowboy hat wearing ex-fossil hunter Jackson. And they don't. The two clash. And being stuck on a cruise ship doesn't help, even if it's in sunny Lisbon.
Baha and Jackson go undercover as an engaged couple to infiltrate a cruise, full of rich people looking to purchase black market fossils and artefacts. It would have been helpful if Jackson told Baha the plan before hand...
I loved these two as their angsty bickering turned into a sweet and sweaty relationship!
This is Baha's story. He's a grumpy Spinosaurus shifter, with a dry sense of humour.
On paper Baha doesn't mix well with cowboy hat wearing ex-fossil hunter Jackson. And they don't. The two clash. And being stuck on a cruise ship doesn't help, even if it's in sunny Lisbon.
Baha and Jackson go undercover as an engaged couple to infiltrate a cruise, full of rich people looking to purchase black market fossils and artefacts. It would have been helpful if Jackson told Baha the plan before hand...
I loved these two as their angsty bickering turned into a sweet and sweaty relationship!
May 25, 2024
Pure silliness. Good, mindless, oddball fun.
August 9, 2021
Don't ask me how this oddball, bizarre, series is working but.. it's working.
I don't think I liked this couple as much as the one from book one but the plot was better paced, with a catnip (dinonip?) trope or two, so it all balances out.
I don't think I liked this couple as much as the one from book one but the plot was better paced, with a catnip (dinonip?) trope or two, so it all balances out.
May 4, 2021
Another fun installment! Opposites attract with grumpy Baha and the laidback Jackson. Add in some forced proximity on a cruise ship and fake boyfriends while looking to liberate some stolen fossils and this was just as much fun, if a bit more sedate than the first one (although we do get to see Dalton and all his manic energy for a bit here as well).
I adored the little "courting" scene on the beach with Jackson and Baha in their shifted forms (no spoiler here as to what they are) and the fact that secondary character, vapid Hollywood brat Collin had a come to Jesus moment as a result of it was just a bit of a fun bonus.
I'll definitely be looking out for the next book!
I adored the little "courting" scene on the beach with Jackson and Baha in their shifted forms (no spoiler here as to what they are) and the fact that secondary character, vapid Hollywood brat Collin had a come to Jesus moment as a result of it was just a bit of a fun bonus.
I'll definitely be looking out for the next book!
March 22, 2021
4.5 Stars
Quirky , funny , original comes to mind when I think about Sink or Swim , book 2 in the RELIC series.
I like and was entertained by this story BUT I love and adore Smash and Grab , book 1 . It might be because Baja , the dinosaur shifter MC - to me - is just too grumpy for whimsical and silly type of books.
With that said, I recommend both books wholeheartedly for its lighthearted and hilarious plots.
Quirky , funny , original comes to mind when I think about Sink or Swim , book 2 in the RELIC series.
I like and was entertained by this story BUT I love and adore Smash and Grab , book 1 . It might be because Baja , the dinosaur shifter MC - to me - is just too grumpy for whimsical and silly type of books.
With that said, I recommend both books wholeheartedly for its lighthearted and hilarious plots.
March 22, 2021
This was a fun read. Think Fish and Chips if Ty and Zane were dinosaur shifters!
June 4, 2021
Because motherfucking dinosaurs, that's why.
March 19, 2021
Maddox’s follow up to the first book in her big dinosaur series was everything I could hope for and more! A little less silly than the first one, I mean, Dalton and Baha couldn’t be more different, but it was equally fun and I enjoyed every moment of it. Take a super grumpy ancient Dino (I just ADORED Baha) and pair him with a sexy Texan (Jackson was an absolute ball) put them in a fake engagement on an illegal fossil traders cruise ship and you get one heck of a good time! There were unusual courting rituals, misunderstandings in the form of very unusual auctions, and just serious buckets full of laughs. A fun tome from start to finish, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
August 27, 2021
SINK OR SWIM was not quite as enjoyable for me as the first book in this series was, but after it's very slow start it does begin to pick up. Jackson and Baha are both dinosaur shifters so that was an nice change but they have a pretty acrimonious relationship for a lot of the book and Baha is the grumpiest grump I think I've ever read, lol. He was actually getting on my nerves a little bit.
I think part of what didn't work for me this time is that SINK OR SWIM felt more over the top and the villains came across as slightly ridiculous because of this. However, I definitely plan to continue this series because I love the concept and even with these two fighting so much, their vulnerable moments were written really well.
I think part of what didn't work for me this time is that SINK OR SWIM felt more over the top and the villains came across as slightly ridiculous because of this. However, I definitely plan to continue this series because I love the concept and even with these two fighting so much, their vulnerable moments were written really well.
May 1, 2024
I loved loved loved Baha and Jackson! Can't wait for their cameo.
Also eagerly waiting for Montana's story.
Also eagerly waiting for Montana's story.
May 11, 2024
Grumpy Baha was no match for charming cowboy Jackson! This enemies to lovers story had action, interesting characters and so much UST
I really liked the narration!
I really liked the narration!
March 19, 2021
This was such a cute story. I swooned over Baha & Jackson. I did not read the first book in this series but I enjoy Maz Maddox’s writing and I knew this would be an enjoyable read. I wasn’t wrong.
I’ve never read about dinosaur shifters before and because of this book I was looking up pictures and facts about dinosaurs. They really are fascinating and I almost forgot just how interested I was in them. This story renewed my interest and made me want to go to a museum and explore more!
Baha is a grumpy Spinosaurus who misses his prehistoric days. He doesn’t get close to anyone, the closest people to him are his brothers in RELIC. When he’s paired up with Jackson, a cowboy who has a history of stealing fossils, he is not happy at all. Together they need to be passengers on a cruise ship ran by Jackson’s ex to bid on stolen Spinosaurus fossils in an illegal auction.
Jackson is a laid back cowboy who is a dinosaur shifter himself. He has been caught up in his ex’s schemes in the past and is set on revenge. He cannot help but poke fun at the grumpy Baha and does so every chance he gets. He is used to superficial relationships so when the going gets tough he is surprised by how his relationship with Baha changes. Surprised but very happy about it.
This was fun and lovely. I especially enjoyed the moments these two shifted, it was so beautifully touching. I am definitely going to read the first book in this series and I am looking forward to stories for the other guys from RELIC.
ARC received in exchange for review
I’ve never read about dinosaur shifters before and because of this book I was looking up pictures and facts about dinosaurs. They really are fascinating and I almost forgot just how interested I was in them. This story renewed my interest and made me want to go to a museum and explore more!
Baha is a grumpy Spinosaurus who misses his prehistoric days. He doesn’t get close to anyone, the closest people to him are his brothers in RELIC. When he’s paired up with Jackson, a cowboy who has a history of stealing fossils, he is not happy at all. Together they need to be passengers on a cruise ship ran by Jackson’s ex to bid on stolen Spinosaurus fossils in an illegal auction.
Jackson is a laid back cowboy who is a dinosaur shifter himself. He has been caught up in his ex’s schemes in the past and is set on revenge. He cannot help but poke fun at the grumpy Baha and does so every chance he gets. He is used to superficial relationships so when the going gets tough he is surprised by how his relationship with Baha changes. Surprised but very happy about it.
This was fun and lovely. I especially enjoyed the moments these two shifted, it was so beautifully touching. I am definitely going to read the first book in this series and I am looking forward to stories for the other guys from RELIC.
ARC received in exchange for review
March 23, 2021
Book 1 was such a delight that when book 2 came around I knew I had to read it!
This book is so imaginative. It was very fun to read. Jackson and Baha had a frenemies thing going on. But proximity makes them change their minds.
This was quite an adventure. The chemistry these characters shared makes this a fast book to read.
I want more Dino- romances!
This book is so imaginative. It was very fun to read. Jackson and Baha had a frenemies thing going on. But proximity makes them change their minds.
This was quite an adventure. The chemistry these characters shared makes this a fast book to read.
I want more Dino- romances!
August 12, 2021
While I didn't love these men as much as the first couple this was still a quality story. Definitely a series I'll be on the look out for each new release 😊
May 9, 2021
3.5 stars
December 5, 2023
Book 3.5 stars, audio 4.
Kirt is great but I missed something with the connection between these two and the storytelling dragged for me. It’s still a fun series so I’ll keep going.
Kirt is great but I missed something with the connection between these two and the storytelling dragged for me. It’s still a fun series so I’ll keep going.
June 21, 2023
"My whole life, all I wanted was to be back home. Back in the world we used to know. Being human was...confusing. Painful," he whispered, the glow of the night sky reflecting in his eyes the same way it did across the water. When they moved to me, I saw the shine of the Cretaceous moon looking back at me. "You make me want to be human."
I really enjoyed this! I especially liked how Baha and Jackson grew on each other and didn't immediately hop into bed/love. They were both very attracted to each other but disliked each other - especially Baha with... pretty much everyone. I liked Baha's character a lot. He was gruff around the edges and only let a very select few into his inner circle but even less into his inner workings. At first, he isn't even interested (in relationships as a whole for a loong time) but then we discover that it's also protection. That isn't new, but... It was done so well here. Jackson and Baha are perfect together here, even when they're at odds.
The banter was fantastic. It wasn't forced or too extreme. It felt smooth and very realistic to who Baha and Jackson are made to be. The snippets of their prehistoric selves are very well placed and done as well - as their memory lapses show up as well.
Some parts were just ridiculous, though. In a good way. Mostly. xD Colin. If you've read this, you know exactly what I mean. He got on my nerves a couple/few times but was worth it in the end, ultimately. Also, I really do appreciate the auction he got Baha to go to and all that entailed. Jackson had it right in the aftermath...
I punched the elevator button and looked at him. "Proctologist, huh?"
His obsidian eyes tried to slice through me, but he was too relaxed. "I'm surrounded by assholes." I
I laughed then, a full belly laugh that I couldn't contain. That was funny, even if it was my expense. Baha's little smirk creased his face for just a moment, and it wasn't lost on me that it was probably a very rare sight.
Felipe I rather enjoyed. I thought he played a great role here and would more than welcome his return/be intrigued if we get to see him involved with another character...
I also love his "involvement" with
I will most certainly continue this series. I have more lined up first, however...
"That's for me and my friend after we kick y'all's asses."
I heard a beautiful sound to my left, a chuckle bubbling up from the depths of Baha's chest. I wanted to marvel in how rare of a sound it must have been, but I had to maintain my calm, cowboy swagger. Cowboys didn't tend to swoon in public. It's a code.
Baha was soo freakin' cuute (Also gah! these fantastic bits):
I didn't even want to eat him. I wanted to impress him.
I lifted my chin and hissed, flexing my tail and turned to show him my sail. I was strong, might. I would protect the nest and bring food. I would kill anything that came close to us. He had to see that I was a good mate.
This giant, scaly, angry bastard had essentially just showed up with a box of chocolates on a date. But instead of manufactured sweets, he caught me a big, fat shark and put it at my feet.
Cowboys didn't swoon, and neither did pterosaurs. Well, they sure as hell did now.
"You also said you thought pterosaurs were beautiful in the Cretaceous sky. Was I beautiful tonight?"
"Yes."
That got my attention.
I finally pulled my eyes away from the stars to look back into the cabin. Baha wasn't ignoring me at all. He was watching and, for probably the first time, didn't look annoyed, angry or even slightly irritated.
He looked hungry.
I couldn't control my shiver as he walked towards me, black eyes dark, curls wild from the beach. He smelled like the ocean, like the dark void he was master over.
"You are the most beautiful thing I've seen in sixty-five million years."
Are you a little spoon or a big spoon?"
I stared at him in complete confusion before my brain finally translated what he was asking. That syrupy laugh poured out of him as I rolled my eyes and rolled over with my back to him. Long, strong arms snaked around me as he closed the small gap between us and I felt my inner fireflies dance.
"You always end up wrapped around me in your sleep anyways."
"Sure, darlin'," Jackson purred, a yawn trailing his words. "Let's pretend that's why."
"I thought we could come swim out here at night. Watch the stars."
And even though I was soaked, neck-deep in water I couldn't swim in, and had a horse who betrayed me, my life was pretty damn perfect just then. When I was in Baha's arms, listening to his velvety laugh that only I got to hear, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
"Hm." I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I like that plan, darlin'. I like that plan a lot."
I really enjoyed this! I especially liked how Baha and Jackson grew on each other and didn't immediately hop into bed/love. They were both very attracted to each other but disliked each other - especially Baha with... pretty much everyone. I liked Baha's character a lot. He was gruff around the edges and only let a very select few into his inner circle but even less into his inner workings. At first, he isn't even interested (in relationships as a whole for a loong time) but then we discover that it's also protection. That isn't new, but... It was done so well here. Jackson and Baha are perfect together here, even when they're at odds.
I was much more than a monster. I was ancient, hungry, and real. They only wished it was a fucking monster.
The banter was fantastic. It wasn't forced or too extreme. It felt smooth and very realistic to who Baha and Jackson are made to be. The snippets of their prehistoric selves are very well placed and done as well - as their memory lapses show up as well.
Some parts were just ridiculous, though. In a good way. Mostly. xD Colin. If you've read this, you know exactly what I mean. He got on my nerves a couple/few times but was worth it in the end, ultimately. Also, I really do appreciate the auction he got Baha to go to and all that entailed. Jackson had it right in the aftermath...
I punched the elevator button and looked at him. "Proctologist, huh?"
His obsidian eyes tried to slice through me, but he was too relaxed. "I'm surrounded by assholes." I
I laughed then, a full belly laugh that I couldn't contain. That was funny, even if it was my expense. Baha's little smirk creased his face for just a moment, and it wasn't lost on me that it was probably a very rare sight.
Felipe I rather enjoyed. I thought he played a great role here and would more than welcome his return/be intrigued if we get to see him involved with another character...
I also love his "involvement" with
I will most certainly continue this series. I have more lined up first, however...
"That's for me and my friend after we kick y'all's asses."
I heard a beautiful sound to my left, a chuckle bubbling up from the depths of Baha's chest. I wanted to marvel in how rare of a sound it must have been, but I had to maintain my calm, cowboy swagger. Cowboys didn't tend to swoon in public. It's a code.
Baha was soo freakin' cuute (Also gah! these fantastic bits):
I didn't even want to eat him. I wanted to impress him.
I lifted my chin and hissed, flexing my tail and turned to show him my sail. I was strong, might. I would protect the nest and bring food. I would kill anything that came close to us. He had to see that I was a good mate.
This giant, scaly, angry bastard had essentially just showed up with a box of chocolates on a date. But instead of manufactured sweets, he caught me a big, fat shark and put it at my feet.
Cowboys didn't swoon, and neither did pterosaurs. Well, they sure as hell did now.
"You also said you thought pterosaurs were beautiful in the Cretaceous sky. Was I beautiful tonight?"
"Yes."
That got my attention.
I finally pulled my eyes away from the stars to look back into the cabin. Baha wasn't ignoring me at all. He was watching and, for probably the first time, didn't look annoyed, angry or even slightly irritated.
He looked hungry.
I couldn't control my shiver as he walked towards me, black eyes dark, curls wild from the beach. He smelled like the ocean, like the dark void he was master over.
"You are the most beautiful thing I've seen in sixty-five million years."
Are you a little spoon or a big spoon?"
I stared at him in complete confusion before my brain finally translated what he was asking. That syrupy laugh poured out of him as I rolled my eyes and rolled over with my back to him. Long, strong arms snaked around me as he closed the small gap between us and I felt my inner fireflies dance.
"You always end up wrapped around me in your sleep anyways."
"Sure, darlin'," Jackson purred, a yawn trailing his words. "Let's pretend that's why."
"I thought we could come swim out here at night. Watch the stars."
And even though I was soaked, neck-deep in water I couldn't swim in, and had a horse who betrayed me, my life was pretty damn perfect just then. When I was in Baha's arms, listening to his velvety laugh that only I got to hear, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
"Hm." I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I like that plan, darlin'. I like that plan a lot."
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