Hi peeps! We have Edie Montreux visiting today with her new release The King’s Physician, we have a short guest post from Edie, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway where there is 2 $10 Amazon GC’s up for grabs, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The King’s Physician
by
Edie Montreux
Devlin was the King’s Physician until a blood mage siphoned Devlin’s magic and used it to wipe the kingdom’s memories. Sir Eldrich, his replacement, has protection against Filvane’s spells, but he only knows the whispered rumors: Devlin, the former King’s Physician, stole King Korgon’s crown on his coronation day.
Once Eldrich is appointed King’s Physician, Devlin notices a decline in King Korgon’s health and wonders if Eldrich is to blame. When Eldrich nearly bleeds to death on Devlin’s doorstep from grievous sword wounds, they’re thrown together in a race to keep King Korgon alive. They question the other’s allegiance to their king , but it will take their combined efforts and trust to stop Filvane from destroying Korgon and the entire realm of the living. In the end, these two King’s physicians may have more in common than their titles. They may even fall in love.
Blurb: With their love stronger than ever and their need for revenge burning, Eamon and Alik will face their most difficult choices yet.
Their enemy pushes too close for comfort. Negotiations fall through after tempers flare and lies are exposed.
When a stranger arrives in their court, Alik can’t help but wonder if there is more to his offer of help than to be seen. The passion of Alik and Eamon’s love is threatened by the newcomer and Alik can’t help but wonder where Eamon’s true loyalties lie.
When Eamon finds himself captured and alone, he must face his greatest fear: Will he fail his people and his country and leave Alik alone to fight this war?
After all is said and done, will all the sacrifices they made be worth the cost of the throne?.
Review: There are a few surprises in this addition that I was ecstatic about when they happened. Alik is not happy when Sir Clifton is added to the ranks of the army as he sees someone who wants Eamon. Eamon for his part assures Alik over an over he’s the only one he wants.
Plans are made to take out the Vrseal army when the negotiations go south. Then all breaks loose when Eamon and Milet are captured when they attempt to return to Eamon’s home. They have a stowaway on board which sends chaos in motion to those Eamon leaves behind and so they go after the stowaway praying they make it in time.
Edge of your seat and nail biting, this addition is a continuation of the previous books. I loved everything about it from the way Alik and Eamon are to the bad guys to the end. Fantastic series to read.
Blurb: With so few allies and no clear choices, Eamon and Alik are left with only one possible chance to regain their standing.
They must leave the Ataton Kingdom and return to Grayhaven to raise an army.
For Alik, going home was the last thing he ever wanted.
For Eamon, leaving home feels like a betrayal.
But Grayhaven has more secrets and lies than either man could imagine. While they both vow to honor and obey each other, is that possible while they live in a court that thrives on lies and deceit? Will they be able to hold onto the one thing they hold dear?
And when the unthinkable happens and an unexpected visitor returns, is it a signal of hope? Or one of continued loss?
A King’s Oath is the second book in The Royal Houses of Sea and Snow. Expect violence, romance, and a fierce love between two men that will bring the heat level up to a 10!
Review: In this sequel to A Prince’s Duty Alik and Eamon travel to Alik’s home after the brutal attack in the previous book. All is not well in Alik’s kingdom as though who want power try to attempt to take control by any means necessary as plans are hatched and set in motion all the while Eamon adjust to his new life by taking charge of the army and setting things straight.
I love this series. So many things happen that had me on the edge of my seat. I was expecting plans to be made for going after those that hurt both Eamon and Alik’s family and I can not wait for that to happen in all it’s bloody purpose. Though Eamon still struggles with the loss of his brother and friends he strives to make sure he avenges their deaths.
Wonderful story full of emotions, betrayal and twists and turns that I never saw coming.
Blurb:Crown Prince Alik of the Grayhaven kingdom is the last remaining heir to his parent’s kingdom.
He knew this day was coming, the day that he would be forced to marry, but he didn’t know that it would be so soon.
He has only request: That he might be the one to choose his future spouse from the royal family his parents have in mind.
Crown Prince Eamon of the Ataton kingdom is the eldest of four siblings.
He is know throughout the lands as the Barbarian Prince, the Bladebringer, the warrior prince that brought a temporary peace to his lands.
He has only one wish: That he and his family be happy, whatever the case might be.
When the Princes meet, they clash, but could it be something more?
With an encroaching enemy breathing down Eamon’s neck and his siblings to think of, will Eamon make the right choice for not only him, but his family, and kingdom as well?
As Alik begins to map out his future and take on the mantle of King, will he be able to let go of his past to move on to something greater than he could hope for?
The Royal Houses of Sea and Snow, Book I: A Prince’s Duty is the beginning of a new series from Jude Marquez. It can be read without having read the previous trilogy, The Cerith Kingdom Chronicles, but does reference events from those books, so read at your own risk!
Book I does end on a cliffhanger, and readers can expect steamy MM sex scenes and violence appropriate to a medieval kingdom right before a war.
Review: Prince Alik and Prince Eamon spend time together and both see a different side to the other. With his father breathing down his neck to marry, Alik refuses to force anyone to marry him. Meanwhile Eamon gathers information on the army about to tear his world apart.
I loved this story. Tense situations, action and romance. I loved both these characters from the previous series The Cerith Kingdom Chronicles and was delighted to learn they had their own story and the start of a new series.
Neither of these two men’s lives have been easy. They both find solace in each other. The enemy army is devastating when it starts trickling into the kingdom. The end of the book left me stunned by the brutality that the men suffered. Not everyone makes it out alive and some I cried at their loss. I am curious how Alik got out and whether or not he was able to save Nicolin.
Amazing and edge of your seat this story delivers a punch at the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what else happens.
Blurb: With a missing king and his inexperienced husband leading the Cerith Kingdom, chaos reins.
It has been four months since Evander’s disappearance and even with the help of trusted allies, Alyx feels like at every turn he is tested and fails. There has been no word since Evander’s kidnapping and with every passing day, the kingdom grows restless, enemies approach their borders, and Alyx only waits for the whole thing to come down.
And it will be all his fault.
Far north, Evander faces an enemy he did not expect. Alone, beaten, starved, he can only wait for his rescue, but as more time passes, Evander fears the worst: They think him dead and Alyx has moved on.
With war looming and his allies becoming fewer and fewer, will Alyx choose to search for Evander? Or will he find it in himself to stand up and fight for his kingdom, in Evander’s name?
This is the third book in The Cerith Kingdom Chronicles and concludes Alyx and Evander’s story. It is necessary to read the previous two books to understand this book.
Review: Alyx is consumed by grief and despair but tries to continue on lost in his own world. With the help from their allies the search continues. The person who kidnapped Evander was a surprise to me. This person is cold and calculating and wants the throne for himself.
I loved this story. It had everything and more. I must admit I am still curious as to who Cor was but after having read the first book of the new series I think I might know.
Blurb: On the happiest day of their lives, an enemy waits for the perfect chance to strike…
After the attempted war and take over of their kingdom, Evander and Alyx have finally reached a place where they have found peace. Their wedding and coronation waits and after that, five blissful days alone for their honeymoon.
Nothing is ever as simple as it seems…
With Evander and Alyx gone, strangers attempt an invasion. With the royal family either kidnapped or on the run, no one is safe and there are enemies and dangers everywhere. The country is in shambles when the news of their Kings’ death starts to reach the furthest corners.
A ravenous monster waits…
With the help of a few remaining friends, Evander and Alyx make their way to the enemies keep. Along the way they are challenged and make new friends. But with the life of their family on the line and new secrets revealed, will they arrive in time?
The Starved Monster is Book II in the Cerith Kingdom Chronicles. It is highly recommended that you read the first book, A Hundred Others, for this series to make sense. This book features MM sexual scenes, heroic rescues, daring kings, and a steamy love match. This book does end on a cliffhanger and is intended for audiences over 18 years old!
All hell breaks loose as soon as Evander and Alyx head for their honeymoon. I applaud the effort of those left behind to keep things in order and to try to stop the takeover. Once Evander and Alyx are attacked they both know something is wrong at home and rush back.
A wonderful continuation from the previous book with plenty of action, betrayal and romance. Loved the entire story and am looking forward to the next book.
Fantastic read.
Pixie’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:
Holy hell, this series just keeps getting better and better.
While Evander and Alyx are on their honey moon on a remote Island the unthinkable happens, not only are they attacked but their entire family and kingdom are targeted and it’s a race against time with limited aid for Evander, Alyx and their family and friends to reclaim their Kingdom before it’s too late.
I loved this story, it has action, adventure and heart in your mouth moments, a truly stunning storyline that has you shaking your kindle in frustration as you get to the last pages.
New characters are introduced that add to the amazing array of characters from A Hundred Others, while some characters have harrowing backgrounds every single one of them are strong, it’s a strength of character that shines through the lot of them, men, women and children alike. Not a one of them breaks under the pressure pushed upon them, they might bend a little but all of them keep going with strength behind them. And I loved that, I really appreciate an author who knows how to write a character of strength without making them overbearing or toxic in their attitude.
The storyline is fantastic, it’s perfectly woven to keep you turning the pages in anticipation. It grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go, not even at the end… because that ending holy crap, it was an ending that nearly had me screaming in frustration because it was such a twist that I had no idea was heading my way. I mean damn they had just been victorious and the author just backhands you while cackling evilly, the author then follows it up with a gut punch murmuring ‘suck it up buttercup, you’ll have to wait for the next book’.
So I recommend this to those who adore medieval fantasy, amazing characters, a wonderful storyline, and sadistic authors who leave you battered and bruised dangling from a cliff.
Blurb: An approaching enemy… An uncrowned Prince… A commoner with a destiny he could not realize…
Alyx Reimund is a servant in the home that used to be his father’s. Beaten, abused in ways he dare not recount, he longs for the day that he might feel a steady and kind hand. A chance encounter brings him face to face with the Crown Prince, a man so handsome and brave, surely he was made from Alyx’s own dreams.
Crown Prince Evander De Loughrey heads one of the fiercest armies in all the lands. He wields his power with less violence than his father before him, wishing only for an end to all the wars he had been on, wishing for someone to wake in his bed with him, to love him as he is not for the power he will one day have.
When the two meet, it is as though fate had drawn them together. But will they be able to keep each other, and the royal family, safe? Will their kingdom survive an unknown enemy? Will they be able to know peace and harmony with each other.
This novel features MM sex scenes, lots of dashing knights, and plenty of sweetness to match. A Hundred Others is meant for the 18+ crowd who enjoy a lot of sweet with some of their heat.
An interesting story of two men who have been abused but meet one fateful day that changes their lives forever. Evander is fiercely protective and determined. Alyx is discovering that he is more than what his stepmother thought. I loved these two. The things they have been through made them stronger.
I loved that Evander and his family was there for Alyx when he needed them the most. A great beginning to an incredible series.
Fantastic read with twists and turns and romance.
Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
This really is a fantastic story, that surprises you with it’s twists and turns.
Well guys, when I started reading this story I thought it was gonna be another Cinderfella story with the prince riding to the rescue, but that was soon disabused when Alyx turned around and took things into his own hands and Evander turns up just after the event.
Both Alyx and Evander know severe abuse, they have both had to fight their abusers in the only way they know how and come out the other side scared but stronger.
Their relationship is beautiful to watch unfold, and just because they find their true love doesn’t mean that happy ever after falls in their laps.
Evanders family are incredible, they rally round the couple and while the family have secrets, they are good secrets that have come out of an horrendous struggle.
I loved this story and can only recommend this to those who love medieval fantasy stories, strong characters, a love that shines above all else, and a great cast of supporting characters.
Blurb: Outrunning a winter storm in the north, Captain Faran of the King’s Guard leads his men and a young mage named Meric to shelter at Bitterwood Manor, the ancestral home of the Daenes. Faran and his troops have been searching for weeks for a mysterious, lion-like beast that reportedly haunts the uncharted northern woods. For Meric, finding that prophesied cat is a matter of life and death.
Though Faran is deeply focused on their mission, the enigmatic Joss Daene, Lord of Bitterwood, fascinates him. Strong and proud, Joss is everything Faran wants in a lover. More, if he were honest. But Joss belongs to Bitterwood, and Faran to his duty.
Together they will need to brave the oldest, darkest part of the Bitterwood in the coldest, deepest snows of winter to find the legendary cat. But time is running out—for Meric, for the kingdom, and for Faran and Joss’s fledgling love.
(Note: This is a revised second edition, previously published elsewhere.)
Review: Fantastic journey of Captain Faran of the King’s Guard and a young mage named Meric who is dire straits as he needs to find a mythical cat in the haunted woods. Getting by a storm they travel to Lord Joss Daene and his sons. It is eerie that the symbol that represents the family is similar to what the cat looks like.
Alas there are two different romances in this story. That of Joss and Faran who are hot and sexy together and then there is Meric and Eissa, Joss’ youngest son, these two hit it off right away and I thought it was sweet the way Eissa took care of Meric when he was too sick. It showed how caring and loving he was toward Meric when he needed him.
I loved all the little details throughout this story as it gave insights to certain things that helped the reader have a better understanding of the story.
The story as a whole was a magical quest I found intriguing if not a bit slow but still well worth the read.
Hi guys, we have Rowan Speedwell stopping by with her new re-release Bitterwood, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Bitterwood
by
Rowan Speedwell
Outrunning a winter storm in the north, Captain Faran of the King’s Guard leads his men and a young mage named Meric to shelter at Bitterwood Manor, the ancestral home of the Daenes. Faran and his troops have been searching for weeks for a mysterious, lion-like beast that reportedly haunts the uncharted northern woods. For Meric, finding that prophesied cat is a matter of life and death.
Though Faran is deeply focused on their mission, the enigmatic Joss Daene, Lord of Bitterwood, fascinates him. Strong and proud, Joss is everything Faran wants in a lover. More, if he were honest. But Joss belongs to Bitterwood, and Faran to his duty.
Together they will need to brave the oldest, darkest part of the Bitterwood in the coldest, deepest snows of winter to find the legendary cat. But time is running out—for Meric, for the kingdom, and for Faran and Joss’s fledgling love.
Title: Vanquished Thief Series: Vanquished #3 Author: Yamila Abraham Genre: Yaoi / BDSM (Hentai) Length: Novella (99 pages) ASIN: B00JJVMAW2 (ISBN-13: 9781311055651) Publisher: Yaoi Press (April 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: A waifish mortal thief is caught stealing in Darkhelm’s castle, and is only spared execution because his lovely body can be used for better things.
The Dragon King Caine doubts that such an unskilled mortal thief could have truly breached the underworld. He wishes to know what this creature really is, and what he wants with their beautiful slave Jonah. He intends to subject the pretty waif to some of their more exquisite tortures until he gets an answer.
The frightening truth behind the thief’s identity may place the mighty King Caine in a submissive position for the first time ever! An erotic BDSM medieval fantasy with a romantic twist! Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Vanquished-Thief-Medieval-Gay-BDSMErotica-ebook/dp/B00JJVMAW2 Review: Book three in the Vanquished series comes and treats us to a surprising twist. We’ve been used to mortals being in the mercy of demons, Princes and Kings being vanquished by the sublime torments of extreme pleasure, but this time around, the author has granted us with yet another being extraordinaire.
There is not much to say about this new addition to the series. The sexual games work in the same path though there are new kinks introduced. The cruelty of the main characters is always followed by their love and nurturing nature as weird as it may seem for demons to behave this way. The main change came with Jonah’s new role. Though he remains a very wanton Uke, he took on a leading role in the previous book, which turned into full sadistic Seme into this one for a short spell. This new version of Jonah was definitely not met favourably from me.
So, in this book, we have a thief breaking and entering King Cain’s realm without anyone noticing him. How very weird this was in itself, but when the thief is caught, things become weirder still. It seems as if this thief is seeking punishment, instead of avoiding it… He seems to be quite cocky too and secure in some hidden knowledge. Could it be that this particular thief is much, much more than he seems?
I have made up my mind and my favourite character in this series is definitely Randell. He is the perfect sadist for my poor dark heart and he manages to make me smile each and every time I read another installment. King Caine is the sweet sort. No matter how hard he tries to be severe and cruel, deep inside his heart he’s a damned softie; there’s no other explanation for his behaviour. I would have love to see him in a vulnerable position and damn if this wasn’t the perfect opportunity to do so, but I guess the author wanted her Seme unspoiled. In any case, this new twist in the plot may very well produce interesting and enticing future installments.
Blurb: Dragon Speaker, Torran, and knight, Karrick, begin a passionate relationship, but when threats to the crown turn to them, they must fight to protect themselves and the kingdom.
Once in the kingdom of Ocassus, humans and dragons shared the lands as allies. That time has passed into legend. But there’s one who wants to see it return.
As a Dragon Speaker, Torran is gifted with the rare ability to understand dragons. He knows dragons aren’t the vicious, mindless creatures many believe them to be and uses his gift to save them. It’s a lonely task. He’s never found a partner who understands him. He doesn’t believe he ever will.
Sir Karrick Brenton is a Knight of the Crown and a man with secrets…one in particular that draws him to Torran. They come from different positions in life, but never has he met anyone he feels more kindred to than Torran.
When Torran is requested to come to the capital city of Dragon’s Landing, both he and Karrick realize their passion for each other. As he seeks to help the king, soon the threats to the crown shift to becoming dangers to him, Karrick, and their friends.
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Torran is a dragon speaker, able to talk to and understand dragons, it’s a gift he cherishes and uses it to aid dragons whenever he can. Karrick is a Knight, a position he worked hard for despite his commoner background, sent on a mission to bring the Dragon Speaker and Gatekeeper to the King, but Karrick has his own secrets to keep. As they try to assist the King Torran, Karrick and their friends uncover a plot against the crown and it is up to the friends and the Ancient One to bring peace to Dragon’s Landing.
This story continues in the world of Terra and picks up not long after Bryson’s and Garrick’s story ended. Torran has a crush on dashing Knight Karrick and finds it is reciprocated when they spend a little time together but carrying out the Kings wishes must come first. The Ancient One, Rordan, has approved the heir to the throne for many generations, but will no longer speak to the current King. Torran has to talk Rordan into approving the current heir, but someone has plans to interfere. While Torran is called for his Dragon Speaker skills, Bryson has been called for his Gatekeeper skills as Cara, another Gatekeeper, is dead and Bryson must find out what happened to her.
Torran, Bryson, Garrett, Aleric, Larkin, Zane and Karrick stick together and support each other as they enter into danger. Torran and Karrick’s relationship is a pretty easy one, there’s no conflict on either side and they don’t doubt each other, the situation they are heading into is a different matter altogether. Karrick has enemies who would love to see him fail and he has a couple of secrets, which would see him killed. Torran has nothing to hide and gets Karrick to open up to him easily. We see the friends working together seamlessly, we learn more about each one, and I can’t wait for their stories.
This really is a great story, which is written beautifully; the world building is wonderful and leaves you with medieval type setting with mystical and legendary creatures. All the characters are wonderful, each and every one down to earth and interesting, whetting your appetite for more about them. The storyline is great with danger and action and dragons, deceit, anger and manipulation and love, hope and happiness.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, cute dragons, fierce dragons, taking a chance on love, a great storyline, defeating evil and an ending that just leaves you wanting more.
Blurb: In the faraway land of Amerito, Jonathon D’Angelo is a prince, but even a prince must yield to the king’s rule. Entirely deprived of affection and loving physical contact, Jonathan spends his days on a strict regimen of study and tutelage, horse training, and weapons techniques.
Exploiting Jonathan’s virginity like a bargaining chip, his scheming monarch father arranges two marriages for his son: One with the kind and beautiful prince in the prosperous kingdom of Utica, the other with a king who is a notorious sexual sadist.
After a desperate attempt to avoid the match, Jonathan meets his betrothed Prince Adrian. Immediately enraptured by the young man’s beauty, Jonathan learns to fully embrace the union. Under Adrian’s tender guidance, Jonathan comes to terms with his sexuality, discovers erotic pleasures, and falls in love.
When the king attempts to destroy their union, Jonathan defies his father and triggers an escalation of monarchal hostility complete with kidnapping, heinous torture, bloody battles, and revolution. Against all odds, Jonathon and Adrian must vanquish their enemies to bring peace not only to Amerito, but to all kingdoms.
Review: Jonathon is a prince whose every move has been watched closely. He is to be used as a bargaining chip by his father, the King. Jonathon knows that he is expected to marry, but is surprised when his father tells him he will be marrying the next day to a man he doesn’t even know, Prince Adrian. But, he gets an even bigger shock when he learns that there is another groom waiting in the wings. After a desperate attempt to avoid his fate, Jonathon finally accepts the kind words of his betrothed and is glad when he does. Escaping the fate that his father has planned isn’t easy though and Jonathon and Adrian face kidnapping, torture, and horrors. They support a revolution, help to heal a kingdom and then face their foe head on. All the while trying to build a loving relationship, a relationship that is plagued with doubts and mistrust.
This is a brilliant medieval type fantasy story that is littered with doubts, mistrust, double-dealings, betrayal, and a slow kindling love. Jonathon has grown up knowing he is just a commodity. To be sold off when his father, the king, gets the right price. When he is first informed of who his future spouse will be, he panics and does the only thing he can think of to escape his fate. Adrian is shocked to learn that the man he courted for the last year has no knowledge of him, but he has no intentions of letting him go. Proceeding with their wedding is Jonathon’s only hope of freedom and they both know it. But, their marriage will be filled with danger and heartache as the two men face major obstacles to their happiness.
I loved this story for the full descriptions and very involved storyline that doesn’t quit until our two princes get their happily ever after. As we follow the princes’ journey, we see them both evolving into princes to be proud of. Jonathon begins to discover his self-worth and begins to trust in people. and Adrian discovers just how self-involved and self-centered he was and begins to become a better man. Jonathon has been neglected and abused as a child, but he excels in many areas, as he was driven to try to make his father proud of him. Adrian was given everything he wanted and it has made him a man whose whims are fulfilled, even those that seem outlandish and strange. Together they face trials no man should have to face. From a sadistic king bent on owning Jonathon, to confronting the instigator of all the bad deeds and then having someone trying to cause conflict in their marriage.
The best thing about this story is that it is much more than just one book. The first part of the story is focused on Jonathon’s marriage, his father’s twisted plans, and the sadistic king. It then progresses to the healing of a kingdom and the development of the princes’ marriage. We then see a shift as Jonathon has to confront his father to prevent war. After that, it is trouble in paradise as Jonathon hears rumors about Adrian enjoying himself while Jonathon was off trying to prevent war…. It just doesn’t stop. We also have a fantastic little side story of two doctors who were separated years before being reunited. And not just that, but of the incredible discoveries that one of the doctors makes as he experiments to keep his patients alive.
I recommend this to everyone who loves medieval type settings, danger, double-dealings, and a rough path to love, evolving characters, a brilliant storyline, and a great ending that just makes you want more.
Blurb:A man-loving twist on a classic tale. Wounded after a battle he cannot remember, Sir Donlin seeks refuge with Baldemar, the lord of a mysteriously understaffed castle. As his memories return, his own dark past is revealed, but which of them is concealing a deadlier secret?
A man-loving twist on a classic tale. Lost and wounded after a battle he cannot remember, Sir Donlin seeks refuge with Baldemar, the lord of a remote and mysteriously understaffed castle. Despite his host’s strange ways and fierce mannerism, an attraction soon grows between them. As his memories slowly return, however, Sir Donlin begins to sense that he also has a dark past. Soon he wonders which of the two is concealing a deadlier secret.
Trapped by a curse that forces him to live as a bloodthirsty creature of the shadows, Baldemar is surprised to feel his human emotions rekindled by the knight who has wandered into his lonely keep and brightened his mournful existence. Yet every night he struggles not only with the fear that he will accidentally kill the man he is growing to love, but a suspicion that Sir Donlin is not quite what he appears to be.
Review: Baldemar is lord of a castle. He enjoys his life as a knight living an indolent life, taking what he wants with little regard for others feelings and discarding those he is bored with. Until the day he did it to the wrong person. Now, he haunts his deserted castle by night with only the company of his loyal retainer. he is cursed to never again enjoy lazing in the morning sunshine. Sir Donlin woke up in a forest with no knowledge of his past. He knows he’s a knight and he knows his name, but everything else is a blank. When he comes across a run-down castle he seeks shelter and food, becoming enamored with his dark and mysterious host. With the help of the village apothecary he begins to regain his memories and his past seems darker than he could ever have imagined.
This is an interesting dark twist on an old fairy-tale, not quite a happily ever after, but definitely a happy for them ending. Both Baldemar and Donlin are what you expect from knights, big, manly and arrogant. Unfortunately for Baldemar, that arrogance bites him on the arse when his callus treatment of a minstrel results in his being cursed. Donlin is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, he has no memories of what has happened; as his memories begin to come back he fears what he might become.
I did like the twists in this story, but for the life of me I couldn’t quite like the characters. Both men start out extremely arrogant and I was secretly pleased when Baldemar was cursed. With Donlin, I didn’t like him because of how he treated Carew (Baldemar’s servant), and he had an expectation of how he should be treated even when he couldn’t remember who he was. The relationship that evolves between Baldemar and Donlin was good because they seem so well suited to each other, and the explosive passion between them is hot. I liked how the story evolved and developed and the twist near the end was really good, both men change as well becoming slightly less arrogant and more likable.
I recommend this to those who love darker fairy-tale twists, fantasy, arrogant men, hot sex and an ending that isn’t conventional.
Title: Bitterwood (2nd Edition)
